Coordinator for Sunday’s Independence T20 Cup tournament to be held at the Albion Sports Complex, Anil Beharry said the second year of the competition will set a new benchmark for cricket across the country, while paving the way for the development of the county’s young cricketers.
The tournament was launched last year and despite it being the first attempt, it gathered rave reviews and drew crowds from all parts of Guyana said Beharry adding that organisers relished the fact that it provided clean, incident free fun for all and said he hopes for a repeat this coming Sunday when four top class teams clash at the historic Berbice ground.
In an exclusive interview yesterday, Beharry told Stabroek Sport that he and his team are overwhelmed by the massive support that they received from corporate Guyana and will use the proceeds for the development of, clubs, schools, and community projects which will encourage the growth of cricket in Berbice. When asked about measures to be taken in the event of heavy rainfall which has been rampaging throughout various parts of the country recently, Beharry said: “We have excellent covers at Albion and our ground and pitch especially is catered to and protected every day. We are currently in the process of having our ground cut and rolled for this weekend’s event,” he added.
Beharry also noted that only torrential and consistent rainfall over the weekend or on Sunday will force them to postpone the event. However, if it does rain on Sunday, Beharry declared that organizers will then reduce the overs to 10 per side.
He also commented on the activities that were halted by the weather stating….”Albion and Young Warriors are the only two grounds that are in good playing conditions. The consistent rain has left the rest of first division grounds unfit for play which rendered other competitions and club fixtures to be placed on hold until further notice.”
The tournament will feature some of the country’s best national cricketers such as Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Chris Barnwell and Devendra Bishoo to name a few. Beharry said the competition will give young players the opportunity to learn, play and compete against the best players in the country.
The coordinator also hinted about permanent floodlight fixtures to be held at Albion in the near future in which they are awaiting the installation of the lights.
“Once this is completed we can have cricket here on a more consistent basis, he noted.
“We will be looking to commemorate our country’s significant holidays such as Mashramani, Independence Day and Emancipation day by holding cricket matches which will be used to signify and represent the strength of all Guyanese people, “ he declared.
The competition bowls off at 9:00hrs and will mark Guyana’s 47th Independence Anniversary admission is $500.00 for adults and children are free.
