By Avenash Ramzan
Three of the local-based players on Wednesday signed on the dotted lines, confirming their availability to represent the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018.
The three local players who are now officially contracted by the franchise are all-rounders Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford and left-handed batsman, Akshaya Persaud.
The trio expressed delight at being snapped up by their local franchise at the Player Draft, which was held on March 1 in London.
Shepherd said, “For me it’s a big step up, getting the reward for playing in the Super50 (the regional tournament recently), when I saw that I was selected by the Guyana Amazon Warriors, something which I always wanted to do- play for my home franchise. I’m hoping to represent them well and hopefully we can win the final.”
Persaud and Rutherford are not new to the franchise, as they were part of the Under-19 set-up a few years ago. However, they are now eligible to play, a reality that both youngsters are enthused about.
“First of all I must thank god for making all of this possible. It’s a pleasure being part of the actual Amazon Warriors squad this year. I’ve been with the squad for a number of years as an Under-19 player. When I saw my name was in the Draft and I was drafted by the Amazon Warriors I was happy to be among so many regional and international players,” Persaud said.
Rutherford stated, “I want to thank the Amazon Warriors for seeing me as someone who could make a difference to the team. It’s a dream come true for me. It’s something I always wanted to do- come into the team as a player who could represent the team and this year I have my opportunity.”
The three players will form part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, which would be looking to win a maiden CPL title when the tournament is contested from August 8 to September 16.
GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS: Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Malik, Chadwick Walton, Cameron Delport, Rayad Emrit, Imran Tahir, Jason Mohammed, Luke Ronchi, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshon Primus, Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo, Gajanand Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Saurabh Netravalkar and Akshaya Persaud.
