By Cindya Khellawan
In a spectacle unlike any other on September 24th, 2023, voices, as many as 15,000, roared as one at the National Stadium, Providence, united by the magic of an unforgettable moment- a moment we had waited a decade to experience.
It was more than just a championship at last for the Guyana Amazon Warriors; it was an inaugural championship, won in front of a fervent home crowd and against their fiercest rivals, the Trinbago Knight Riders.
The scenes that night at Providence were beyond anything imaginable, with waves of celebration spreading across Guyana, and every corner of the region where Warriors’ fans reside.
Reflecting upon the day the Warriors became champions for the first time brings goosebumps and sets the perfect tone as Warrior Nation gears up to reunite at Providence and welcome home the defending champions in a matter of days.
It gets even better, as the Warriors have had a brilliant start to their campaign this season, in a quest to their title defense, with victories on the road against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and, most convincingly, against the St. Lucia Kings.
With two away games to go, and the highly anticipated home leg nearing, the Warriors look poised and playoff-ready in this, the 12th edition of the Caribbean Premier League.
A lot of excitement awaits, no doubt. But there is an extra special buzz around some Amazon Warriors players this season.
Shimron Hetmyer, in his brilliant knock against the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, brought back vivid memories of the Hetmyer that was on display in CPL 2018.
This is the Shimron Hetmyer that Guyanese and West Indians at large love to see- the Hetmyer that showcases his talent in the most impressive way.
Additionally, Albion’s Gudakesh Motie, currently the third-ranked T20 bowler in the world, has had his class on full display with impressive figures in every game thus far.
His role in the Warriors’ set-up is vital as the tournament progresses and he has become a favourite among the Warriors fans.
Last year, Imran Tahir demonstrated the value of experience and a calm demeanor. Who would have thought that Imran Tahir would be the first captain to lead the Warriors to a championship?
Perhaps only a few. What a Warrior he is!
Tahir’s raw emotions while being interviewed by Alex Jordan after last year’s final was a testament to his passion for winning it for the franchise and the Guyanese people.
As they say, age is just a number. And 45-year-old Imran Tahir is back in all his glory leading the Warriors this season.
The Warriors are fortunate to have most of last season’s championship-winning squad back this year. The contributions of Dwaine Pretorious, Shai Hope and Romario Shepherd were vital in 2023 and will undoubtedly be important if the Warriors are to retain the championship this year.
The absence of Saim Ayub is felt this season. The Pakistani announced himself in fine style last year, amassing 478 runs from 13 matches for the Warriors, finishing second only to the leading run-scorer of the 2023 season, Shai Hope.
Can you imagine how exciting it would have been to see Gurbaz and Ayub open the batting for the Warriors this season?
The Warriors would hope that Tim Robinson adapts quickly and becomes a key contributor at the top of the order in the interim while Gurbaz is away on international duty.
The addition of the experienced Moeen Ali to the side is expected to strengthen what is already a formidable unit.
Since the start of this year’s CPL, an electrifying energy has been in the air, across Guyana.
It’s a culmination of knowing we are defending champions, the phenomenal start we’ve had to our campaign this year, and the fact that the finals will once again be held in Guyana.
There is something very special about the way ‘the Biggest Party in Sport’ has brought Guyanese together. It transcends sport.
Fans rally behind the Warriors in creative ways- from impromptu watch parties to vehicles decked out in the Warriors’ flag. There is a profound sense of pride.
Every home game at Providence is expected to be packed to capacity. The anticipation is palpable. And the confidence of a back-to-back championship is at its peak.
The five final defeats before 2023 no longer matter.
We know how to cross that final hurdle now.
And this season it isn’t just about defending a title; it’s about solidifying a legacy.
“Is we year again.”
Let’s Go Warriors!
