-Harper sees tournament skill development for young cricketers  

CHIEF Executive Officer of longstanding, local communication provider, VNET Communications, Safraz Sheriffudeen, believes that sport is fundamental in the early development of children and eventually contributes to the holistic development of young people.

Sheriffudeen made the comment on Thursday afternoon during the official launching ceremony of the Fourth Edition of the VNet Communications/Georgetown Cricket Association Under-13 tournament at the company’s Delph Street, Campbellville, location.

The passionate cricket supporter and fan also believes that through participation in sport, young people learn about the importance of key values such as, honesty, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and others and adherence to rules of the game.

According to Sheriffudeen, sport also provides a forum for young people to learn how to deal with competition and how to cope with both winning and losing.

“Sport is an essential part of any kid upbringing,” he said.

Sheriffudeen further mentioned that his company has been actively involved in sport and community development for a number of years, and the latest investment is a demonstration of the company’s commitment towards the future of cricket locally.

Meanwhile, over the years the GCA played a critical role in providing appropriate opportunities for the city’s junior cricketers and speaking at the launch, GCA President Roger Harper, a former Guyana and West Indies off-spinner, said the objective of the tournament is to get the youth involved and to start them at a young age, with the aim up filtering their talent to the upper levels of the game.

Harper thanked VNet Communications along with the four co-sponsors; Cerulean Inc., Guyana Trading Company, Eco Atlantic International Investment Inc.; and Give Another Chance Foundation for their support.

GCA’s Vice-President Neil Barry in brief remarks, pointed out that the tournament will be used as a foundation to develop the skills of young cricketers and, at the same time allow players to defend their wickets and going through the basics of the game.

Playing under the theme “Cricket our game our culture”, the tournament will feature seven teams that will compete on Saturdays at various venues in Georgetown.

The seven teams that will be gracing the field when the competition commences on April 7 are; Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Transport Sports Club (TSC), Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Everest Cricket Club, Diplomats and Queens College.

According to the playing conditions, the pitch shall be 21 yards in length and matches will be a 25-overs-a-side affair.

Players must be under 13 years and must be born on or after June 1, 2005 to be eligible to compete.

According to the tournament rules the batting side will be divided into pairs. Only five pairs will bat while no bowler will bowl more than three overs.

A minimum of 10 overs per side will comprise a match, that is,  each pair will bat for a minimum of two overs and each bowler will bowl a minimum of one over. Ten points will be allocated for the winning team of each match, while five points will be allocated for a no result.

The playing conditions also states that the fielding side shall be awarded one point for every four dismissals, while the batting side shall be awarded one point for every 20 runs, in excess of the 200 runs scored after all deductions have been made for dismissals.

Prior to the official handing over of the sponsorship cheque, VNET Communications ambassador and West Indies ODI all-rounder, Keemo Paul, shared a video message where he encouraged the youngsters to make full use of the opportunity. Messages from the co-sponsors were also read by Sheriffudeen.

Also, present at the launching and press briefing were former Guyana middle-order batsman Mark Harper, officials from the co-sponsors, GCA’s executives and a number of Under-13 cricketers who will participate in the tournament.