Local Professional Cricket league (PCL) franchise Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI), yesterday became the first regional territory to award 12 academy contracts effective from February 1-July 31.
This ground-breaking move now takes the CGI contracted tally of players to 27, following last year’s 15 originally contracted players. The signing was done at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) office, Regent Street in the presence of media practitioners.
Eleven out of the 12 contracted players were present with the exception of Shimron Hetmyer who is with the Guyana Jaguars senior team in Jamaica.
Also present was CGI executive Raj Singh and a few other GCB members who officially presented the players with their six (6) month-contract which ensures their possible admission into the Guyana Jaguars side, should a situation arrive.
The 12 players, the likes of; Hetmyer, national opener Robin Bacchus, West Indies Under 19 all-rounder Kemo Paul, former WI U19 spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Raj Nannan, wicket-keepers Jason Sinclair and Kemol Savory, will now earn GY $50, 000.00 a month for training regularly and staying fit during sessions conducted under the experienced pair of coaches Clive Grimmond and Michael Hyles, commencing February 9.
Singh also pointed out that the players might also see an increase from 50, 000 to 75, 000 providing they train diligently and upkeep their fitness.
He added that the CGI managed to put aside US$5,000.00 per month, for the payment of the 12 additional players, officials and other match related expenses.
The increase of the professional player pool by CGI now forces the more senior Tier 3 players to stay fit and keep performing.
The 12 contracted players are: Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Jason Sinclair, Raun Johnson, Ricardo Adams, Raj Nannan, Kemol Savory, Steven Sankar, Kemo Paul Robin Bacchus and Kevon Boodie.
