The CG United Super50 Cup is set to begin this weekend and executives of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) met with the players and management staff of the Guyana Harpy Eagles on Wednesday.
The GCB issued a statement on Thursday which stated, “The engagement was geared at assisting with closing the perceived relationship distance between players and executives.”
The Guyana Harpy Eagles arrived in Trinidad on Thursday (27) and will begin their Super 50 campaign against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on October 31 at Queen’s Park Oval.
Addressing the gathering on Wednesday, GCB president Bissoondyal Singh started by praising the players for their selection and urged the players to take advantage of the opportunities.
“We are aware of your expertise and are highly confident that you will excel consistently throughout the CG United Super 50 Tournament. As a board, given the available resources, we were able to run off the Senior Inter-County Tournament after an absence for over five years.”
“Additionally, we took all necessary steps to ensure that all matches were live streamed, including a Livestream test of the final between the seemingly improving Essequibo team and the eventual champions Berbice.”
“This live stream test of the final targeted the Indian subcontinent comprising of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan through a partnership agreement with a promotion firm registered in India.”
While this live broadcast is in its infancy, Singh informed the players that the GCB intends to administer and promote cricket, hoping to promote players within and outside the Caribbean and the Guyanese cricket product in general.
“Further, we facilitated two practice matches. I must mention that all of these activities, Senior Inter-County, the live streaming of the event and the hosting of the practice matches were financed solely by the GCB. I say this so that you can get a better understanding of the demands the GCB is faced with given its limited resources and the substantial efforts we are taking to ensure that all involved in the game has a fair and equitable (opportunity) to represent Guyana.”
The GCB chief further stated that ways to improve the training facilities for the players to develop their skills are continuously being explored.
“The GCB continues to examine ways to improve the training facilities available to you the players, and (we) are in receipt of estimates to upgrade the GCB’s practice facility at LBI. While we will be utilizing other facilities in the execution of our duties as a board, we believe that the core group of national players at all levels must be given the best possible training environment to nurture and develop their skills. Our ability to train under floodlights will also aid in our competitive preparations.”
Speaking further, Singh told the players to stay positive, play as a team and achieve team and personal goals.
“As you journey to begin this year’s CG United Super50 challenge, it is the hope of the executive members of the GCB, that our meeting here will inspire you to bond and play as a team and to lift the CG United Super50 championship trophy for 2022. Go forward confidently, be positive, play as a team, and achieve your set individual and team goals.”
Guyana Harpy Eagles squad: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice-Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Gudakesh Motie, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Kemol Savory, Sherfane Rutherford, Tevin Imlach, Quentin Sampson, Anthony Bramble, Nial Smith, Kevin Sinclair and Clinton Pestano.
The management staff: Albert Clements (Manager), Ryan Hercules (Head Coach), Garvin Nedd (Assistant Coach), Angelica Holder (Physiotherapist) and Kheshava Ramphal (Cricket Analyst).