After an absence of 15 years, Berbice will see the return of First-Division Two-Day cricket after the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) inked a deal with Banks DIH Limited under their Banks Beer brand.
The two entities made the historic competition a reality yesterday at the beverage company’s head office located at Thirst Park.
President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster revealed that the sponsorship is to the tune of $2.1 million and will cover most of the expenses associated with transportation, meals, umpire fees and balls for matches and practice.
Foster noted that the tournament will see eight teams namely: Blairmont, Albion, Port Mourant, West Berbice, Rose Hall Canjie, Young Warriors, Tucber Park and Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour. These teams will be divided into two zones with the top two advancing to the semi-final and final.
The four semi-finalists will all walk away with cash prizes ranging from $150,000, $100,000, $75,000 and $50,000 for first to fourth place respectively.
Foster explained that the competition will be in collaboration with the Board’s Say Yes/ Say No campaign with teams being allocated 15 caps branded with the slogan as well as a large banner with the team name and campaign slogan to be displayed at ever match.
The BCB President went on to note that the competition will feature the best the county has to offer including Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble, Clinton Pestano, Romario Shepherd, Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Jonathan Foo, Keoin Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle and more.
Foster pledged to the company accountability and transparency as well as value for money.
Meanwhile, Banks Beer Brand Manager, Brian Choo-Hen congratulated Foster and his team for reviving cricket in the Ancient County while expressing how proud the company is to be part of an initiative of this nature.
Choo-Hen explained that the company has demonstrated their commitment to the development of sport in Guyana and this collaboration reinforces that ideology.
The competition is expected to bowl off on November 16.
