‘Cornerstone of talent development’: GCB, Sport Ministry partner for National U-19 tournaments

In a bid to grow the pool of youth players who can ideally be developed into international stars, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has committed to supporting the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) with three National Under-19 tournaments.

It will start at the inter-club level from March 31 and then channel into the Inter-County where they would be the 50-Over and Three-Day formats.

Minister Charles Ramson Jr. viewed the age group as the cornerstone for cricket and talent development, and said this is a filter to the National Cricket Academy.

”This is what I consider to be the cornerstone of West Indies cricket,” Minister Ramson Jr. indicated at the National Stadium, Providence, on Tuesday.

He added, “It is the cornerstone for which all West Indian talents throughout the decades have been able to display talent in the territories that puts them on the pathway to becoming West Indian players and international stars.”

According to the Minister, though Guyana has found success in various age groups at the Regional level, the country has not been able to consistently produce players, in recent years, to become world stars.

GCB President, Bissoondyal Singh contended that investment in this age group means the pool of players will expand for future senior squads, and they will look to harness their talents through the academy.

At least 40 clubs, 16 each from Berbice and Demerara and eight from Essequibo, are expected to participate in the first stage of the tournament.

It provides an opportunity for more matches for players to showcase their talent for both county and national selection for the upcoming Regional Under-19 tournament.

Approximately G$6 million has been pledged by the Ministry to the tournaments, and a commitment has been made for it to be done on an annual basis.