The inaugural ‘One Guyana’ Franchise Tapeball Cup was launched yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
The tournament will commence on November 9 and continue the following day before culminating under lights at the Leonora facility. Six franchise teams will battle for the top prize of $1,000,000, while the runner-up will receive $500,000.
The teams participating are Eclipse Carnage, Tropix Falcons, West Side Warriors, Village Rams, Power Hitterz, and District Renegades.
The tournament, which is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, will also see female players participating.
Following the preliminary round of matches, which will be contested on a round-robin basis, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals.
According to the organisers, players were acquired through a draft system whereby franchise owners had to purchase players of their choice.
The tournament is expected to grow tremendously since the organisers are working feverishly with the government to ensure its success.
Already, the competition has generated much interest among young cricketers, and it is expected to draw overseas participation in the future.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., said the tournament will help the players to maintain their fitness and the government will continue to lend support.
He added that tapeball cricket is accessible to all, and they are looking at long-term partnerships with the stakeholders in order to build success.
The Minister stated that there is a space for this tournament on the cricket calendar, and once this becomes bigger, it will draw overseas interest.
