After the recent move by local Professional Cricket league (PCL) franchise, Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) to award 12 Tier 4 Academy contracts to some of the local players who are now one step closer to possibly representing Guyana at the highest level should a situation arise, Stabroek Sports caught up with a few of the players who shared their views regarding the benefits of the initiative, which awards players a salary of GY$50,000.00 a month for a six-month basis.
Jason Sinclair, standby Wicket-keeper/batsman – “Individually speaking, presently I’m not working so putting all my emphasis on cricket is a good move. The people at CGI really thought about it, it’s not like when they picked the 15 original players they only left those guys to know what its likes to have a contract, they also thought about the standbys and I think that’s very good.
“Being a part of the academy will help me to focus more on my game and improve the areas that I need to improve on. The move also helps the players to take care of a family and provide gear for themselves so I think it’s really good. I want to give the persons who brought about this idea a warm thanks because it’s a stepping stone for Guyanese cricket.”
Robin Bacchus, National opening batsman- “I think it’s a good move because around this time most of our cricketers go abroad to play so it’s a good move by Mr. Sanasie and the others to have us stay at home and help develop our cricket instead of going overseas and helping the development of others. It’s a short stint, but it’s a good opportunity to put in work and improve on one’s game.”
Raun Johnson, National fast-bowler – “I think it’s something very good they are doing, at least they are doing something for the younger guys in Guyana. It will help with our talents and it works out good for me so far because I can benefit from it and help me with my career.
“I think they took a step forward so at least 12 more persons are now added to the pool so we should get motivation from that and encourage other youngsters to come.”
The Berbice-born pacer also said the move could help put the players on the radar of the West Indies selectors.
Ricardo Adams, former National Under-19 player- “Well for me it’s a good opportunity. I’ve been around a long time and I have the opportunity now so I grabbed it with both hands. It will be better for my cricket and will also help with the training. For me, I want to be better in my career and now that you have a team to train with you it will be better and it will help you to train more because you could fall in the Guyana team at any time. So I’m hoping for the best and I will do what it takes”.
Kemol Savory, National Under-19 Wicket-keeper/batsman- “Well I think it will benefit me because I was looking forward for the opportunity so now I will grab it with both hands. I usually work hard and train hard so with this academy I will make a step forward.
“The academy is like a job so you will have to be serious because most youngster when they meet Under-19 and finish, it’s hard to make a Guyana standby so this will encourage more youngsters to play cricket now.”
Raj Nannan, former National U-15 and current Demerara left-arm spinner – “Getting the contract gives me a boost because nobody ever got one before in the country and being able to get paid to train and being one in the first 12
players to get a contract is good. I think everyone will motivate each other no one will want to be left behind so the guys will bond very well.
“I also think it will help to boost the cricket because training every day, all-year round was never done before like I said and with the coaches we have we can do well and one day play for West Indies and Guyana.”
Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, Former West Indies Under-19 spinner- “It’s a good contract for us to stay and develop our own cricket in Guyana and also to be a part of something to go into for the future. I think this will help, playing a practice match is the best step because if you perform well you could be called up to the national team. So I think it will benefit us by staying in our own country and help develop our cricket and to also help the younger players.”
