Amid much pomp and ceremony, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup trophy arrived yesterday, completing its tour of the Land of Many Waters.
The iconic trophy landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, chaperoned by the ICC T20 World Cup’s Head of Public Relations and Communications, Damon Leon.
At a brief welcome soiree hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the delegation was serenaded by drums and dances at the arrival lounge, where the public and CJIA staff seized the opportunity to take photos with the silverware.
Speaking at the welcome party, Leon noted, “The trophy being here in Guyana is truly a momentous milestone for Guyana and, by extension, the West Indies. The trophy actually began its worldwide tour in New York back in March, where we had Chris Gayle and Ali Khan lighting up the Empire State Building.”
After the session at the airport, the trophy journeyed to State House, Main Street, Georgetown, where it will remain until today, when a delegation of cricket ambassadors will accompany the trophy to Guyana’s majestic Kaieteur Falls. Also on the cards today is an engagement with the First Lady Arya Ali, where children and the differently abled from orphanages will have the chance to interact with the cricket ambassadors and the trophy.
Meanwhile, the trophy will grace two public events: firstly, at the St. George’s Cathedral, where a number of schoolchildren will have the opportunity to take photos with the trophy, and then at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, where fans can ‘catch’ world cup tickets as well as take photos and interact with national cricketers.
The Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the United States of America and the West Indies, will run from June 1st-29th. Guyana will stage group matches from June 2nd-8th, followed by semifinal two on June 27th.
