Guyana could host West Indies-Pakistan T20Is in July 2021

By Akeem Greene

Guyana could possibly host the Pakistan Men’s team for three T20 Internationals in July 2021. This was disclosed by Cricket West Indies Director, Anand Sanasie on Wednesday evening.

“Pakistan would be here sometime late in July, if confirmed, for three Twenty20 matches,” Sanasie revealed.

The National Stadium’s last international match was August 8, 2019 – a 50-over match between West Indies and India.

Pakistan last visited Guyana in April 2017 for two One-Day Internationals; they have never played a T20I in Guyana.

Also, the regional Women’s limited-overs tournament will be held in Guyana in March 2021. Guyana hosted the last edition of the tournament from March 17 to April 4, 2019, but it was severely affected by rain.

The 2020 tournament had to be called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it was revealed the T20 competition will be used as the qualifier for the Commonwealth Games.

Women’s cricket will make a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 28 to August 8.

“In March of next year, Guyana will be hosting the Regional Women’s tournament and this venue [La Bonne Intention Community Centre ground] is the premier venue for that,” Sanasie said.

“Also in that tournament, there is the 50-over format and the T20 format, and the team that wins the T20 Blaze would represent the West Indies at the Commonwealth Games, so we are behind our ladies.”

Back in November 2018, the ICC had revealed the 14th edition of the Under-19 World Cup will be held in the West Indies.

Sanasie, who is also the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, said they will have to bid to host matches.

“Guyana will also be required to bid to host matches in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2022, and this venue will come up for usage.”

Sanasie made those comments at the unveiling of the lights of the renovated La Bonne Intention Community Centre cricket ground, East Coast Demerara.