Everest cricket teams head to Suriname for Independence Jubilee Goodwill Tour

Everest Cricket Club (ECC) are set to embark on a four-match goodwill tour to Paramaribo, Suriname, from November 21 to 24, 2025, to participate in the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

The tour will see the Everest Masters and Everest Second Division teams play back-to-back T20 fixtures against Suriname A and Suriname B, respectively, on Saturday and Sunday at the Dr Snellen Park.

The cricket series is a significant part of Suriname’s Golden Jubilee festivities, marking 50 years of independence from the Netherlands (gained on November 25, 1975).

For the Everest Second Division side, this goodwill tour is being viewed as the start of a new chapter, aiming to provide players with valuable foreign exposure to different conditions and an opportunity to showcase their talent.

The Second Division squad will be led by former national youth left-arm spinner, Javed Rasheed, with wicketkeeper Denesh Mangal as his deputy.

The Second Division squad features promising youth leg-spinner Nityanand Mathura, seasoned all-rounder Ariel Tilku, and solid batters Varun Mangla, Anthony Sanchara, and Stuart Hoppie. Travis Mohamed will function in a Player/Coach role.

Captain Rasheed is looking forward to an “exciting and action-packed weekend.”

“The tour will serve as an ideal opportunity for the young squad to gain valuable experience and playing time on foreign soil,” Rasheed said. “It also serves as an opportunity for the squad to gel and bond together as we aim to strengthen our camaraderie on and off the field.”

Meanwhile, the Everest Masters’ unit is preparing for a return to familiar territory. Rajesh Singh, the Masters’ Captain, acknowledged some key absentees but expressed confidence in his touring contingent.

“We are looking forward to playing in Suriname again. The hospitality is usually exceptional, and the cricket is competitive,” Singh commented. “Some of the core players are unavailable for various reasons but the touring guys are ready to be good Guyanese ambassadors once again.”

The Everest Masters team includes experienced players such as Anil Beharry, Rohan Sarjoo, and Chanderpaul Singh.

Everest Masters Team; Rajesh Singh (Captain), Anil Beharry, Rohan Sarjoo, Chanderpaul Singh, Latchman Yadram, Suruj Ramdeen, Basil Persaud, Troy Gonsalves, Stephen Alick, Hemraj Garbarran and Julian Mohabir.

Everest Second Division team; Travis Mohamed (Player/Coach), Javed Rasheed (Captain), Feeyad Lakeraj, Stuart Hoppie, Ariel Tilku, Denesh Mangal (Vice Captain and wicketkeeper), Varun Mangla, Anthony Sanchara, Orwin Jordan, Ruel Prashad, Nityanand Mathura, Anek Hemnarine and Anesh Hemnarine.