… Hetmyer, Rutherford respective captains, to battle for $1M

By Clifton Ross

IN wake of Guyana’s upcoming 50th Anniversary (Jubilee) celebrations, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Ministry of Social Cohesion/Sport in partnership with National Communications Network (NCN), unveiled the ‘Golden Republic T20 Bash’ set for February 21 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

While a number of activities are planned for the country’s celebratory period, the Government of Guyana and GCB have sought to collaborate in order to bring the best national players and possibly a few regional stars together for the T20 spectacle.

At yesterday’s launch held at NCN Studio on Homestretch Avenue, GCB secretary Anand Sanasie, Territorial Development Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart and NCN Marketing & Sales Manager Dellon Murray, unveiled the particulars regarding the upcoming match.

Sanasie said the bash is expected to mirror that of a high-intensity T20 affair, as West Indies players Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford will lead the two respective sides; named the ‘Hetmyer Hurricanes’ and ‘Rutherford Renegades’.

The pair of Windies stars will have a number of Guyana Jaguars and Academy players at their disposal while Sanasie also said that Windies players Carlos Brathwaite, Chadwick Walton and Rayad Emrit could be a part of the match, as organisers are in talks to get a few regional players involved.

Only all-rounders Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul will not feature in the Bash after being on West Indies duties. Meanwhile, the teams will showcase their specially customised playing kits for the match next week, as the organising committee promised its final press-conference ahead of the match and official unveiling of teams.

Murray said NCN’s role is pivotal in the Jubilee celebrations as being a part of such a historic event, especially given cricket’s message of unity. He said archiving of the match will allow it to hold a special place among the list of other activities Guyana will host during this time of merriment; adding that Guyanese, 50 years from now will be able to see how Guyana celebrated her milestone anniversary.

NCN will stream the match live on cable, or ball-by-ball on the company’s Facebook page while Radio coverage is expected to be widespread as to afford all Guyanese an opportunity to show support to their local cricket stars.

The GCB secretary also pointed out that the entrance fee is $2 000 to any of the stands at the Providence stadium.

The day’s festivities get underway with a softball exhibition match from 14:00hrs with the main feature match set to bowl off under lights at 18:00hrs.