CRICKET fever is set to grip Berbice this weekend as the third edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast prepares for its highly anticipated start.

Organiser, FL Sport, has confirmed that the Upper Corentyne region is ready to host the opening bowl-off, despite earlier weather concerns.

Teams are eager to take to the park and begin their quest for a place in the national finals. The Berbice zone matches will now take place at Skeldon Line Path and Number 48 Ground on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29.

The zone final is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the Number 48 Ground.

Spectators will be granted free entry to all venues, with organisers hoping for a strong turnout from the local community.

John Ramsingh, part of the organising team, revealed that the tournament will feature a blend of talent, including former West Indies internationals, current national players, and some of the brightest young prospects in the country.

Due to the recent inclement weather, organisers have revised the initial schedule and will now concentrate all Berbice zone matches in the Upper Corentyne area. The #48 Ground will host the zone final on Sunday.

Ramsingh added: “The recent bad weather has disrupted some of our original plans, but the enthusiasm from the teams is incredible. With the support of our partners, we are determined to deliver an exciting start to the tournament for both players and fans this weekend. I’m confident we’ll see some thrilling action.”

Montra Jaguars, who reached the final in the 2024 edition, will be aiming to go one better this year. However, they will face tough competition from returning teams like Cotton Tree Die Hard and Mahaica Hawks, along with a host of other talented sides from Berbice, all vying for a spot in the national finals.

The Berbice zone will also feature teams such as Champ XI, Crabwood Creek, Bath Sports Club, Corriverton Spartans, Line Path Select XI, Ethan XI, D’Edward Sports Club, New Amsterdam XI, Tucber Park, and Name Brand Titans.

Play is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time each day, with free entry for all spectators.

The Berbice zone champion will secure a coveted spot in the national finals, which are set to be held on Sunday, August 3, at the National Stadium in Providence, starting at 2:00 PM.

Beyond the national final berth, the Berbice zone winner will also pocket a significant $300,000 prize, along with a trophy, and will have the chance to compete for an additional $1.7 million at the National Stadium. The runner-up in the zone final will receive $100,000.

The national finals promise even greater rewards, with the runner-up taking home $700,000, a trophy, and medals, while the losing semi-finalists will each receive $300,000.

Individual performances will also be recognised with prizes for the MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000).

The Blast is supported by a wide range of sponsors, highlighting the growing popularity of the tournament.

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered support from: Kares Engineering Inc, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.