By Michelangelo Jacobus
Yesterday, amid the pouring rain, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup trophy made its last stop at the oldest cricket ground in the Caribbean, the world famous Bourda at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC).
Though not initially included in the itinerary for the trophy’s visit to Guyana, it stopped at GCC to grace the ground which had hosted its fair share of international cricket. In fact, had the club’s President, Jonathan Yearwood, not spoken up about the trophy not being taken to what is considered the Caribbean’s ‘Mecca’ of cricket, the visit would have not been on the cards.
However, Yearwood related that following an article which was published in Wednesday’s edition of the Stabroek News, highlighting the initial snub of Bourda, he received a call on the same night as organisers decided that it would be prudent to take the trophy to the home of cricket in Guyana.
Speaking to Stabroek Sport on the sidelines of the World Cup trophy’s visit to Bourda yesterday, Yearwood remained resolute that it was an affront to the Caribbean’s oldest cricket club that it was initially overlooked as a venue for a public viewing of the trophy. However, following yesterday’s surprise visit, he expressed gratitude to the person or persons who made the surprise stop possible.
“I must say that I am very pleased to have the ICC T20 World Cup trophy here at the iconic Bourda and GCC ground”.
“I would like to say thank you to whoever listened to my complaint. Having it here at GCC gave our members the opportunity to come and take photographs with it. It will be a lifetime memory for all”.
Meanwhile, Damon Leon, the ICC Head of Public Relations and Communication, told this newspaper that the response to the trophy tour was tremendous.
“Hats off to all the stakeholders, the local organising committee, the government and the sports Minister, it really has been a tremendous showing here in Guyana and everyone should hold their heads high” Leon stated.
While it landed in Guyana on Tuesday, the trophy made its rounds around Guyana, first travelling to State House before making its way to an interaction with orphanages and persons with disabilities courtesy of the First Lady, Arya Ali on Wednesday.
School children from around the city also had an opportunity later that day, to meet with Cricket Ambassador Ramnaresh Sarwan and several national cricketers at the St. George’s Cathedral. While the last stop was slated for the Kingston Seawall Esplanade where a mini-concert was held, the stop at GCC yesterday morning was the last event for the trophy as it travelled to Dallas in the USA last evening where it will be at the first match of the World Cup on June 1 between co-hosts the USA and Canada.
Guyana will play host to the world when group matches are hosted from June 2-8 at the Providence National Stadium, followed by semi-final two on June 27 at the same venue.
Guyana is also slated to host the second match in the tournament, but the first for the West Indies, on Sunday (June 2).
The Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the United States of America and the West Indies, will run from June 1 to 29.
Schedule for Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches at the National Stadium, Providence:
Sunday, June 2: West Indies v Papua New Guinea – 10:30h
Monday, June 3: Afghanistan v Uganda – 20:30h
Wednesday, June 5: Papua New Guinea v Uganda – 19:30h
Friday, June 7: New Zealand v Afghanistan – 19:30h
Saturday, June 8: West Indies v Uganda – 20:30h
Thursday, June 27: Semi-final two – 10:30h
