St John’s, ANTIGUA – In less than four weeks, the Guyana National Stadium will be the venue for the first round of the upcoming 2016 One Day International Tri-Nation series with Australia, South Africa and home team, West Indies.
Three matches have been scheduled for Guyana, before the series moves to St. Kitts and then the final in Barbados.
“This has come at a great time for Guyana as we have not hosted any international matches in two years; and we are celebrating 50 years of independence,” said Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Secretary, Anand Sanasie.
Sanasie, who is also a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Director, said “tremendous work has been put in to host an entire month of celebrations in May. The wicket at Providence is in great shape with excellent grass growth as many of our regional teams would have observed during the just concluded regional four-day. Accommodation is ready and the other requirements are falling into place.”
He added that “the GCB has the capacity to host and we take pride in our execution. We have already established the necessary committees and the point persons have experience with hosting international cricket events. There is collaboration between all entities to ensure that we are all on the same page.”
The WICB Director is reporting that the GCB has the full support of the Sports and Tourism ministries, and because of the Independence celebrations, “we expect great crowd support.”
On winning the awards from the National Sports Commission, Sanasie thinks the development programme instituted three years is reaping benefits. Credit has been given to the new franchise setup of the WICB “which I think has enhanced our work with the Academy and will provide a secure pathway for youngsters serious about taking up cricket as a career. Despite the many challenges we were able to forge ahead and, given the current environment, I am hoping that things will get better.”
Sanasie is sure Guyana will continue to dominate the region in all categories and formats as there is a comprehensive plan of action in place.
He also stated that in three years he is hoping for the franchise system to be at a level where all teams are fully sponsored and local franchise players can earn a decent living. He also wants more nationals in the WI elite squad.
