Prime Minister’s Cup 2 promises to be full of action, says Ian  John

IN what is sure to be a battle of softball talent, Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.) – organised second edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup is set to commence today and conclude on Sunday.

Twenty-four teams in two categories are lined up to battle it out for top honours over the next three days, since the tournament has attracted most of the country’s talented softball players who will match their skills against teams from the USA and Canada.

The tournament is about winning games/ Exposure and promotion of the game are the organisers’ main objectives.

President of the GSCL Inc., Ian John, told Chronicle Sport yesterday that fans can witness softball in a new dispensation over the next three days.

John said that a competitive three days of cricket is in the making, adding that all logistics are in place for a successful tournament.

“This will definitely be an exciting and challenging competition. Softball cricket has become so popular and competitive over the years; so definitely this will be an exciting tournament,” John promised.

Meanwhile, Regal Masters and Speed Boat are the defending champions. However, Regal Masters captain Mahendra Hardyal told Chronicle Sport yesterday that while he anticipates a competitive tournament, his players are confident and ready to defend their title.

Hardyal pointed out that his team’s success over the years is based on a team building together, adding that his team is famous for playing a cavalier brand of cricket.

“Definitely we are confident of retaining the title. We held the team together for the last six to seven years…no chop and changing, and that’s the key for our success,” Hardyal, who is a softball fanatic, said.

Matches will be played at seven venues in Georgetown with the finals set for the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The organisers have indicated that there is a substantial increase of cash prizes for both categories. The winning team from the Open and Masters categories will pocket $100 000 more than last year’s winners. This year $700 000 will be up for grabs in the Open category, while the Masters will vie for the winners’ purse of $600 000. Both categories will have a runners-up prize of $100 000 as well as trophies.

The Most Valuable Player (Open) will win a Dawn 150 motorcycle, compliments of Hero Motorcycle, while the winner in the Masters will collect a flat screen television. A special donation will be made to the Florida Open Charity Organisation.

The tournament is being played in collaboration with National Sports Commission, Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.