By Akeem Greene
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., is meeting with executives of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) today (Saturday, April 10), to discuss Guyana’s bid proposal to host matches in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup in 2022.
In March, Cricket West Indies (CWI) reported it is undertaking a thorough regional bid process for Caribbean countries wanting to host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies at the start of next year.
The tournament will feature 16 teams competing over a one-month period. This is the first time the West Indies will host the event and is likely to be staged across three host countries and will include the game’s future stars competing in 64 matches in the 50-over format.
Ramson Jr., speaking on the sidelines of a press engagement on Saturday morning, revealed to News Room Sport, “I am actually meeting with the GCB today, and one of the things we will be discussing today is how we move forward with the bid.”
“Even though it is a government process it is very important we are having this engagement in making the bid and that the national body that is responsible for the administration for cricket, that they are involved in the process and they are not blindsided by some of the responsibilities and some of the expectations.”
The Minister indicated they are trying to frame an engagement where they have all the relevant stakeholders involved so it is not one to the exclusion of others.
“CWI had brought it to our attention so we are grateful for that. Cricket is still the sport that everybody loves in Guyana and it is something the Ministry is obligated to pay attention to and we know that when you have these events, it also brings a lot of important benefits for inspiring young people and economic benefits. So, we are going to be examining the proposal shortly after I meet with the GCB today.”
The meeting was slated to take place at the National Stadium, Providence.
In March, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, Azim Bassarath, told Newsday that T&T will bid to host matches. TT has two international venues – Queen’s Park Oval in St. Clair and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.
“We are in discussion with the Sport Company (of TT). Is really the Government have to bid, but the (TT) Cricket Board is in discussion with the Sport Company to have a bid submitted,” Bassarath said.
According to CWI, countries have been required to demonstrate their ability to stage the matches by providing adequate match and training facilities, undergo a venue inspection, provide immigration, customs, medical and security support, as well as other operational and logistical requirements including accommodation for the members of the teams, match officials and broadcast crew.
Once all bids have been reviewed the successful host countries will be announced, which is expected within the next month. Those selected will have the opportunity to promote their country to over 75 million people who will be watching from all over the world.
This tournament will also inject an estimated US$10 million into the economy of each host nation.
West Indies have won the tournament once before, in February, 2016 when they beat India in the final in Dhaka, Bangladesh.