Big Man Cricket tournament shifted to early 2021

After what it deems “a painful period of deliberation”, Big Man Cricket-Guyana (BMC-G) has opted to postpone its Over-45, 25-over tournament, which was slated to bowl off on November 22.

In a press release on Thursday, BMC-G said: “The BMC-G deeply regrets having to make such an unpopular decision, but rather than have a disjointed tournament, we made the bold decision to host the tournament when the weather is expected to be better, and the environment healthier.”

“BMC-G had already obtained approval from the Ministry of Health, COVID-19 Task Force and the Minister with responsibility for Sport for this tournament. The GCB had declined approval for this tournament since it clashed with its Over-40 tournament.”

BMC-G added that all COVID-19 protocols had already been put in place, as well as other logistics.

Twelve teams have registered for the tournament, namely Upper Corentyne, Jai Hind, The Godfathers, East Coast Strikers, Georgetown Royal Rangers, Sarjoo Tigers, Regal Masters, Everest Masters, West Bank Warriors, West Demerara Vipers, Essequibo Eagles and Ras Tafar Eye Patriarchs.

“BMC-G will have to decide on whether to increase the participation from the original 10 teams planned or to allow the 12 teams above. Sponsors have also started to come on board and more will be publicised close to the launch of the tournament in January/February 2021,” BMC-G stated.

The competition will be for players who are over 45 years as of January 2021 and will be a 25-over affair. This signature tournament will be conducted on a round-robin basis with two semi-finals and a final and will feature matches being held at grounds in all the counties.

The final and the semi-finals will be live streamed with accompanying commentary.

“The Committee will commit to do live streaming and commentary at other venues during the preliminary matches that have adequate internet services. All matches will be played with pink balls,” BMC-G added.

Apart from trophy and cash prizes for the top teams, there will be several individual awards, including a motorcycle for the Man-of-the-Series.