Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Wed, Jul 15, 2026
National Stadium ready for return of international cricket
By Akeem Greene
There has been significant rainfall over the past few months, and the National Stadium at Providence has not been spared with many of the matches in the recently concluded Cricket West Indies CG United Women’s tournament affected by the elements.
However, international cricket is back from Thursday (July 7), and Head Groundsman, Wazim Habib said they have done the hard work needed and are confident that once the rain stays away, fans can get to witness quality action.
West Indies face Bangladesh in the third and final T20 International from 13:30h, followed by three One-Day Internationals.
It is a return of international cricket for the first time since August 2021 when Pakistan visited for three T20 Internationals, all of which were affected by rain.
“It was a difficult task, based on the weather. In Guyana, it rains and when it rains, it really rains at Providence…it was very hard to bring it to this standard, but the preparation is going good,” Habib assured on the eve of the game.
“If the rain stays away we will get a very good pitch based on the preparation we had before…it will be a bit sluggish because of the outfield and conditions; I expect the scores to be 170-180.”
After these four matches, next on the agenda will be the packed Caribbean Premier League programme, with Guyana hosting 11 matches this season.
“Cricket is good for Guyana; I love cricket when it is played in Guyana, especially at the National Stadium, and we expect the venue to hold up, but as I said, it is a lot of hard work and dedication, but I am here for it,” the seasoned groundsman confidently expressed.