… Founder feels ‘cricket politics’ at play

THE successful Devon Ramnauth Region Two Development Youth Cricket League was denied permission by the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday to host its second edition and the league’s founder, former Guyana and Essequibo Youth player, Devon Ramnauth, feels it’s due to ‘cricket politics’.

The Canada-based cricket enthusiast started the league with the aim of building Essequibo cricket from the youth level up. The league, although hampered by the weather and restricted due to COVID-19, was able to do just that, when it was played in 2021. It unearthed new talent and offered hope for cricket development in the Cinderella County.

In a letter sent to Ramnauth on Monday by the president of the ECB, Deleep Singh, it was stated that his request for formal approval from the board had been denied.
Mr Singh stated that the request was “thoroughly vetted” during the board’s executive meeting on Sunday, October 30.

“… your request was unanimously denied due to the fact that ECB is governed by the ICC code of conduct, as such, we cannot apportion cricket administration in the County of Essequibo to no (sic) private organisation.”

Ramnauth, however, feels there is an ulterior motive for the decision. He is of the opinion that the new ECB administration has an issue with the old administrations and the head organiser of his league, Trevis Simon, and his committee on the ground.

“Imagine, I’m not asking the ECB for anything else but an approval for much-needed Youth Cricket Development in our Region and the County of Essequibo … I’m calling on both the ECB and the GCB to address this matter officially because the ICC will surely hear about this.”

Ramnauth added that for far too long cricket in Essequibo has been a political game and the youths, who should be the focus of all attention, have suffered.

“I envisioned and planned this league for many years. I took my own money (and a few sponsors), time and effort to make it a success with the help of a few people, who had cricket and the youth at heart.”

He noted that even the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr Charles Ramson, had applauded the first edition of the league and it was well received across the region.

VICTIMISATION
Ramnauth can go ahead and host the league without the approval of the ECB, but he is afraid that it will affect the players’ future.

“I do not want innocent youths (200+) to be victimised because of me. Imagine 200-plus youths being deprived of an opportunity that was proven successful….

“As for the past players in the new ECB, step up and say something officially. I’m disappointed. To the youths in Region Two, I’m sorry, but I see where this is going.”