–says National Stadium GM Asad Ibrahim
GENERAL Manager of the Guyana National Stadium at Providence Asad Ibrahim says that the venue will be ready for the ODI series against New Zealand next month.
When Chronicle Sport visited the venue late last week, the outfield looked lush green and in prime condition.
There was also rehabilitation work on the stands, the Media Centre, the Umpire’s room, and the official scorers’ room; some of these were being repainted and are almost complete.
The public washrooms were refurbished and looked similar to those at international venues globally.
Cricket fans can rest assured that the premier cricket venue will be ready for the three ODIs between West Indies and New Zealand from July 11-16, and the Global Super League (GSL), which is scheduled for July 23, with the final being played on Emancipation Day, August 1.
As Ibrahim, who is also President of Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), told this newspaper during a brief tour of the facility, “Regarding the preparation for the upcoming New Zealand tour, our infield preparation is on schedule, and all is going well. The rainy weather is good for us at the moment; no hindrance. The rain is a blessing and keeps the grass green. The ground, indeed, is in great shape, and we don’t have any issue concerning the preparation.”
Still on the subject of the state of readiness for the upcoming tour, Ibrahim said, “We had an inspection from CWI head curator St Lucia’s Ken Crafton, and the report back to us was excellent. We have until the end of the month to start real pitch preparation, and the weather should hold by then.”
In conclusion, Ibrahim, who is also President of the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) Cricket Club, said, “The Providence Stadium is always in a state of readiness; we are embarking on enhancing the Stadium, in terms of washroom facility and ground readiness etc., and the fans can expect a better experience with the enhanced facility.
Construction was in progress on a brand-new Corporate Boxes, while the ground floor would accommodate the Curators and equipment to the East of Stadium.”
