The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is looking forward to working diligently with the sports and tourism authorities to bring international cricket back to Guyana according to a press released issued to this publication earlier this week.
According to that release the GCB stated that it was elated that Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony endorsed and expressed his excitement towards the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 which begins in July this year. The GCB referred to an article in February 15 edition of Stabroek Sports, headlined “Sport Minister sees many spin-offs from premier league cricket.
In that article, Dr. Anthony stated among other things that Guyana is eager to show its interest to the organisers because of the numerous the benefits that can gained from the opportunity as well as the relationships that can be developed. The GCB stated that they were delighted with Dr Anthony’s approach especially in light of the problems relating to the administration of the sport locally.
“With the problems facing cricket in Guyana lately, the GCB is delighted about Minister Anthony’s approach and is looking forward to working diligently with the Sports and Tourism Ministries to bring international cricket back to Guyana,” the GCB release stated. According the release the GCB is currently finalizing the terms of the agreement with Verus international, the licensee for the Caribbean Premier League. The release also stated that the Government is required to sign on to the tourist board proposal and make the Providence Stadium available for the duration of the tournament.
“The GoG has already committed to the CPL which has the potential of boasting tourism during the six week window every year. This is a tremendous opportunity for Guyana to build a tourism package around this event. Guyanese cricketers also stand to benefit financially from territorial contracts and development programmes. It is envisaged that all arrangements will be in place shortly for Guyana to be a host nation in the CPL,” according to the GCB release.
The GCB reiterated its elation towards Guyana being chosen as is one of the six franchises in the CPLT20 stated that they felt that it was fair based on Guyana’s runner up finish to Trinidad and Tobago at the Caribbean T20 Championships.
According to the GBC, “The tournament will bring back highly competitive cricket to the country which was starved of international games for a long time. Such will revive the passion for the sport among the fans and enhance its standards in Guyana.”
The GCB is also hoping that Guyana’s selection as a CPL franchise as well as the positive feedback from the Government will enhance their chances of being chosen as one of the host venues for the Pakistan tour of the West Indies in June. It is felt by the GCC that this too will aid in bringing back international cricket to Guyana on more consistent basis.
