The 32 teams are confirmed, and now the fixtures are out for the inaugural Kares One Guyana T10 Tape-ball Blast set for July 29 and 30 in Georgetown.
The fixtures, computer-generated to avoid any biases in the selection and offer a fair chance for every team to make the semi-finals, have hinted from match one that it should be cracking action from 09:00h on Saturday, July 29.
The ten overs per-side tournament will be played in a straight knockout format with matches on the opening day at the Guyana Defence Force Ground, Police Sports Club Ground, and Queen’s College Ground, while the semi-finals and grand final will be on July 30 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.
To progress to the championship match, a team must win three matches on day one and their semi-final on day two.
They will then qualify to compete for the first prize of $1M cash and the specially crafted One Guyana Trophy.
Commenting on the draw, the Co-Director of the tournament, John Ramsingh, stated, “We as a team were stunned after the fixtures were generated, and I truly believe it will be like a final from match one. I wish I could be in three places at once to watch all of the matches, but I can’t, so I hope fans come out in their numbers and do the same, keep taking photos and videos.”
He added, “It is hard to pick any favoured side, and we love that it gives all teams a fair chance to reach the final four, where there will be cash prizes. My wish again is for teams to follow the rules and be respectful of the umpires, whose call is final. The finals are expected to be streamed live, and we want to show the world we have a quality product in Guyana.”
Ramsingh noted that teams have until July 14 to submit final squads after previously submitting preliminary squads.
Furthermore, the Co-Director expressed immense gratitude for the support of Kares Engineering, who quickly committed to being the title sponsor, and Mohamed’s Enterprise, who sponsored the first-place prize and will also offset the transportation cost for team Moruca.
The other sponsors of the event are Banks DIH under its GT Beer brand, Star Party Rentals, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., E-Net, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, V-Net Communications, Trophy Stall, Premier Insurance, USA Cricket Zone, Beacon Café, Continental Transport, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop, First Change Builder Inc., Impressions Inc., and Sicko Mode.
The first ever champions will pocket $1M, while the losing finalist will collect $300,000. The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with $100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.
At the conclusion of the Round of 32 stage, the Round of 16 matches will commence at 13:30h at all three venues, while the Super Eight matches start at 16:00h and will be at Police and Guyana Defence Grounds only. The semi-finals and final are on July 30 at Everest Cricket Ground.
Round of 32 fixtures:
Matches starting at 09:00h
Eccles All Stars v Hero Riders – Queen’s College Ground
Ministry of Human Services and Social Security v Bartica Bulls – Queen’s College Ground
Avinash All-Stars v PB Contractors – Queen’s College Ground
Continental Transport v Moruca XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
Eastsyde v Airport XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
The United Crew v Spartan Strikers – Guyana Defence Force Ground
Village Rams v Young Steppaz – Police Sports Club
Ministry of Housing & Water v Central Stars – Police Sports Club
Matches starting at 11:00h
Ariel XI v Movements Family – Queen’s College Ground
Big B’s Blairmont Blazers v MS 13 XI – Queen’s College Ground
Team Corruption v Upsetters – Queen’s College Ground
Guyana Power & Light v Laluni – Guyana Defence Force Ground
1Name Brand v Storm Chasers – Guyana Defence Ground
Tarmac Titans v EC Express – Guyana Defence Force Ground
Diamond Gunners v Region Three Police – Police Sports Club
Avery Lounge v V-Net Vipers – Police Sports Club
