THE inaugural upcoming Big Man Cricket Guyana Over-45 competition is being touted as revolutionary, since it would not only promote healthier lifestyles for retired cricketers, but also serve as an inspiration to younger players.
Head of Big Man Cricket Guyana, Raj Singh, said that the idea behind the tournament is to breathe life into talented individuals who are not playing at a competitive level anymore.
“This is a private tournament and non-ICC event. Some of our aims and objectives are to promote healthier lifestyles for our retired (Over 45 years) cricketers whilst keeping these cricketers actively involved in the game for a longer period of their lives.”
Singh, a former member of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), is well versed in the administration of the game and aims to take the newly formed association to high levels.
“This body is affiliated to Cricket West Indies Masters Association which was formed to administer the game around the Caribbean.”
Along with the popular businessman, Dave Narine, Timothy Bhagwandin and John Ramsingh are also directors of the new body.
Singh, the proprietor of Raj Singh Insurance, added that the competition serves a greater good, since along with longevity of its players, it would also help the younger generation to see the benefits of the sport.
“These tournaments are also important to spur the younger generation to continue with cricket as a career since these older players will be serving as role models for them. These retired cricketers can also serve as administrators, coaches, umpires, scorers, match referees and assist in instilling discipline in the game for all generations.”
For the inaugural competition, which bowls off on November 15, some 10 teams will clash in a 25-over round robin format. The top teams will then advance to the semi-finals with the winners playing the final.
The official list of teams will be released later this week, but venues countrywide have already been allocated.
“Fixtures will be out in a few days. Matches will be played at several venues around the country– Imam Bacchus in Essequibo and Albion in Berbice; GCC, Everest, etc.”
Although this competition will have several cash prizes and trophies, it will be a warm-up to next year’s regional events.
“The February to March 2021 Regional competition will be a 25-over affair and we will have a similar regional tournament of 45 overs in October to November, which will shortlist players for the World Cup in March 2022 in South Africa. The WI team is also slated to face off against Canada in a three-match bilateral series in August of 2021 as preparations for the 2022 World Cup.”
Next year’s first regional competition will see a team from Guyana battling against teams from Barbados, Canada, Jamaica, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands.