By Rajiv Bisnauth

President of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), Faizal Bacchus says the Jaguars Franchise League Three-day competition would definitely boost the development of the game and its players in the Cinderella County.The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in partnership with Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI),on Thursday revealed the new franchise system which will see in excess of 100 quality players competing against each other.

Bacchus,in an exclusive interview on Friday, was unequivocal in stressing that the initiative is the way forward as it pertains to the development of the game and the players in Essequibo.

“I think the game and players will benefit immensely from such initiative because more cricket will be played,” he pointed out.

Bacchus, who is also Vice-president of the GCB, said the individual ability of cricketers in Essequibo and ultimately the quality of the game there will improve once players are exposed to a sustained professional set-up.

“Definitely it will bring a lot more competition,;something that we need in Essequibo in order to develop our game,” Bacchus pointed out.

Bacchus is of the opinion that the GCB is heading in the right direction when it comes to development.

Meanwhile, Bacchus feels that veteran batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s inclusion in the Essequibo line-up will definitely boost the morale of the squad.

Bacchus believes the obdurate left-hander’s contribution to the squad is more of a motivating factor for the rest of the players.

The league replaced the traditional Inter-county competition, and comprises eight franchise teams countrywide,namely: Upper Corentyne (Nigg to Skeldon), Lower Corentyne (Albion to New Amsterdam), West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank/Upper Demerara, West Demerara,and Essequibo.

Each squad will consist of 18 players, five of whom are standbys, as well as a coach and manager.

Each franchise will have its own base ground facility for practice, training and matches.
It was confirmed that the Essequibo franchise will have the Imam Bacchus ground as their base ground facility.

Essequibo franchise reads: Anthony Adams, Ronsford Beaton, Kevon Boodie, Keemo Paul, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ricardo Adams, Ricardo Peters, Parmesh Parsotam, Avenish Persaud, Royan Fredericks, Akinie Adams, Looknauth Chinko, Kevin Gordon, Hemchand Persaud, Sachin Persaud, Neiland Codogan, Joshua Jones and Nokta Moses. Michael Franco Hyles (Coach) and Forbes Daniels (Manager).