Sport Minister cautiously optimistic of Guyana winning U-19 World Cup bid
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr is cautiously optimistic that Guyana could be successful in its bid to host matches at next year’s Under-19 World Cup.

The minister is basing this on the positive feedback during the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) venue inspections earlier this month.

Officials of the ICC, CWI and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), visited the National Stadium, Providence, GCB’s La Bonne Intention Facility, Malteenoes Sports Club, Guyana Defence Force ground, Enmore Community Centre, Demerara Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Everest Cricket Club, and Police Sports Club.

Prior to those inspections, government officials also conducted visits to these venues to make their own assessments.

The ICC team will return in November for another inspection to possibly approve some of the venues.

Speaking on the sidelines at a recent event, Minister Ramson Jr indicated he is positive about the bid, but is making no assurances of its success since it is a very competitive process.

“It was positive,” the minister stated on the feedback. “We have got some remedial works that they have described which would be important for us to secure the bid.”

“We stand a strong chance, but there are other countries that are competing. I don’t like to put any kind of bets on anything unless I am sure, but I know the ICC representatives are very happy about the passion for cricket that they see in the country,” the minister further explained.

Ramson Jr said at the community level the stakeholders are interested and they want to find avenues to make it work. He believes Guyana has put in a strong case for the bid.

“It is probably going to come down to some finer details on how great of a condition our grounds are in versus our competitors, but let’s see how that goes.”

The tournament will feature 16 teams, competing from January 4 to February 3, 2022.

It is the first time West Indies will be hosting the event and it is likely to be staged across three countries and will showcase the game’s future stars competing in 64 matches in the 50-over format.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.