The Guyana Amazon Warriors yesterday announced the retention of 11 players including Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Imran Tahir.
It was also revealed that former captain, Chris Green, along with New Zealand batsman, Ross Taylor, as well as Guyanese all-rounders, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford have been released.
Hetmyer and Pooran finished as the most productive batsmen in the side last year with 267 and 245 runs respectively. The South African leg-spinner, Tahir topped the charts in the wickets column with some 15 dismissals.
The other overseas player retained was Afghanistan quick, Naveen Ul-Haq, who bagged 11 wickets in his debut season.
Regular opening duo of Brandon King and Chandrapaul Hemraj along with wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble and Odean Smith will also turn out for the five-time finalists. Rounding off the retentions are young spinners, Kevin Sinclair and Ashmead Nedd.
On the chopping block were United States fast bowler, Jessy Singh and Kissoondath Mangram.
In a release, the Guyana Amazon Warriors management team said, ‘’The management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise are very pleased to retain the core group of players which comprised our squad over the last two years. The Franchise is very appreciative of the retained players for their loyalty and commitment to the Guyana Amazon Warriors. It is the hope of the Franchise that with the majority of players being together over the last two tournaments, the team unity, camaraderie and support for one another in working towards a common goal and purpose will bring the desired result of winning the tournament this year.”
Warriors will now head to the draft later this month and look to fill six spots before the tournament commences on August 28 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
