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..Shimron Hetmyer appointed director of batting
GUYANA has officially signed the host agreement for the Amazon Warriors home matches despite tickets going on sale more than a week ago.
The document for the Guyana National Stadium at Providence was signed on Thursday in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Social Cohesion.
According to Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr. George Norton, who signed the deal on behalf of the government, the deal will bring joy to fans.
“Cricket is in the air and we know what cricket is to the Guyanese society and we certainly are glad to be a part of this annual tournament.”
When quizzed about the readiness of the stadium, Dr Norton responded by saying, “We have no reason to think contrary, the manager of the stadium is in constant contact with us and we have no reason to think that things are not in place.”
Guyana Amazon Warriors team Operations Manager, Omar Khan, contended that the 2019 signing has reinforced the commitment of the Government to the CPL.
He added that the tournament has underscored the importance of youngsters, adding that, “For Guyanese young players, it’s a great opportunity and we have provided for them the greatest opportunity for their development as young cricketers.”
“When you can see young Sherfane Rutherford signing a deal with Mumbai Indians, the current IPL champions in India, as one of their marquee players, that is a significant intent by the international cricket levels that our young Guyanese players are making it big for themselves.”
According to the GAW representative, “Guyana is the only franchise with eight National Players in their line up and we have deliberately done that because we want to ensure that young Guyanese players have a chance to make their name.”
Changes for better or…?
The GAW Camp will commence today, according to Khan, with players coming in yesterday and there will be several changes in the team.
“Part of our system and structure this year will be giving responsibility to the young players. For example, Shimron Hetymer will be appointed the director of batting. Let him take responsibility in the squad. We are going to set up the squad as a business unit.”
Failing to win any of the six editions of the tournament after making four finals is a ‘glass half full rather than half empty approach, according to Khan.
“[it shows] We have been consistent.” He said, adding “We have to be more mentally strong; it has been a challenge for us. Our players, as you know, are probably a little bit too lackluster when it comes to that fighting spirit in finals.
The camp will open today at the National Stadium, Providence.
“We have a planned programme at the stadium. We have some indoor sessions, some team-building sessions, personal development and professional sessions, we have a practice game carded for next Monday and Tuesday; we may play two games.”
The tournament kicks off on September 4 in Trinidad and Tobago with matches commencing in Guyana on September 5 with the Amazon Warriors playing the St. Lucia Zouks, while on Saturday,
September 7, the Warriors’ play the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
On Sunday September 8, the Warriors will engage the Barbados Tridents.
Matches return on October 3rd and 4th with the Warriors against the Jamaica Tallawahs and the Trinbago Knight Riders respectively.
MATCHES TO BE PLAYED IN GUYANA
Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) v Zouks: September 5 at 18.00hrs
GAW v Patriots: September 7 at 20.00hrs
GAW v Tridents: September 8 at 17.00hrs
GAW vTallawahs: October 3 at 18.00hrs
GAW v TKR: October 4 at 20.00hrs
Sunday October 6 –(Guyana)_Two games–Eliminator and Qualifier One
