Dear Editor,
They were nights of patriotism and nationalism by cricketing fans at the stadium last Thursday and Wednesday. Jingoism was observed at Guyana’s cricket matches against opponents on both evenings at the Providence stadium’s never before seen sports events in the country. This is the first time since 2019 that Guyana has staged so many CPL games, and fans did not disappoint.
They came out in their numbers to support the Warriors, decked in jerseys of patriotic colours of the team. While they supported their own team, they did not abuse opponents. Roaring fans were on their feet clapping, cheering, shouting, waving Guyana flag or team emblems and other paraphernalia as the Amazon Warriors’ batsmen hit a four or a six or a made a shot that scored runs. Ditto a wicket taken. Indian tassa, African drums, and loud cheers drowned out announcements or conversations. Fans gyrated and danced. Some boozed. Many snacked on varied food items. Drones flew above focusing on fans and on special plays.
Guyana won both matches and has the momentum going into its final two games. Thursday night’s victory was one of the highest chases in the competition. The previous night the team also played well defending a relatively low score. Fans were on the edge of their seats in both matches, fearing a defeat. They were able to pull off wins when the matches were swinging away from Guyana. Patriotism surged during this period because Guyana had been against the wall facing the spectre of being knocked out from
playoff’s contention that begins next week.
Guyana had been struggling in the matches played away winning only one of five played. One match was rained out. Of the six team in the CPL franchises, two will get knock out in the preliminary rounds. Each team was entitled to ten matches. Most teams completed between eight and nine matches. Their final games are either on Saturday evening or Sunday when two matches will be played. Guyana‘s final two matches were slated for Saturday and Sunday evenings.
If Guyana were to win on Saturday evening against Trinidad, it will move into the playoffs. If it were to lose Saturday and again on Sunday, it is out. If it were to lose Saturday and win Sunday, then it will depend on how well two other tames fared depending on run rate. Guyanese of all ethnicities or national groups supported their team, unlike never before seen. They were all together on the issue that Guyana must win and were there to see their team victorious. It is difficult to say how long this kind of faux will last.
It would be nice if the diverse people of the nation were to carry this kind of ethnic unity in their politics or support for political parties.
Sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram