CRICKET Guyana Inc. (CGI), one of the franchises in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket league (PCL), yesterday created history when the entity awarded 12 Tier 4 Academy contracts – the first among its regional counterparts. The contracts which run from February 1 to July 31 will see the players each receive $50 000 a month in return for time and dedication towards the game and a chance to one day join the Guyana Jaguars. Clive Grimmond and Michael Hyles are the coaches responsible for the players.

The move, described as momentous, will now see the GCI’s list grow to 27, including the 15 players contracted last year.
In the presence of the media yesterday at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) head office in Georgetown, the players, with the exception of Shimron Hetmyer who is currently with the Guyana Jaguars in Jamaica, were handed their six-month contracts by CGI executive Raj Singh.
Apart from Hetmyer, the players are: West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Kemo Paul, national opener Robin Bacchus, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Raj Nannan, wicketkeepers Kemol Savory and Jason Sinclair, and former WI U-19 spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Ricardo Adams and Kevon Boodie.
“These contracts may not seem as attractive as those awarded to the original 15 players retained after the draft last year, but CGI has made a conscious decision to increase our professional player pool which will serve to keep those in the top 3 tiers on their toes as this new Tier 4 Academy group will obviously be challenging for spots in the next draft expected to be held sometime in June of this year,” Singh said
Through prudent financial management, according to Singh, the “CGI was able to put aside at least US$5 000 per month to pay these additional 12 players, officials and other training and match relating expenses”.
He added, “This progressive move will now guarantee 27 players an opportunity to advance their careers and professional development in a structured manner and create more opportunities for themselves and cricket in Guyana and regionally. A few other players were offered contracts but already had contractual obligations with some clubs in TT and made a decision to decline this Tier 4 contract at this time.”
According to Singh, the players’ salary could be increased by $25 000 if they show assiduousness towards the training and the Academy.

(By Rawle Toney)