AFTER an inspection on Tuesday last, the Anna Regina Stadium and the Joe Jagmohan Hampton Court venues are in good shape for the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup championship, according to Tournament Director Raj Singh.
Both facilities are located on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
The 45-over, 16-nation tournament is set to commence October 17 and will conclude October 31.
This second edition is being run by the IMC in collaboration with Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA).
Matches are scheduled for the other two counties Demerara and Berbice as well at various venues.
Singh, who is also the Chairman of CWIMA, stated that both venues were inspected thoroughly and just one and two minor works are required to finish off before the four preliminary-round games taking place there on October 24 & 25.
West Indies and Canada will clash on Saturday, October 24 at the Stadium while on the same day at Joe Jagmohan ground, Namibia will do battle with Wales.
And then on Sunday, October 25, the West Indies will face off with Wales at Anna Regina with the Canadians and Namibia meeting up at Joe Jagmohan.
In addition to these four teams, Australia, Colombia, Sri Lanka and defending champions South Africa comprise Group A.
Group B teams are: New Zealand, England, Pakistan, Scotland, USA, India, Rest of the World X1 and the Rest of the Caribbean Team.
Singh was accompanied by Deputy Police Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force Simon McBean.
“We had good visits of the two venues and both are looking in good shape; our main job was to conduct an onsite inspection of the general layout and flow of both facilities and to develop a security & escort services plan for all the players and match officials during their stay on the Essequibo Coast.
Further, I can assure the fans that these two wonderful grounds [are] ready to host these four historic matches in Essequibo; I am also definitely pleased and satisfied with the work being done to put them in readiness,” Singh related.
Last July the Anna Regina Stadium was officially opened by President of Guyana Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali after it was upgraded from a community centre ground to a modernised facility, meeting international standards.
Since its opening , few local matches were played both in the days and under floodlights.
The Joe Jagmohan ground at Hampton Court village began functioning two years ago. Domestic matches are played there on a regular basis, while the Essequibo Cricket Board along with the Guyana Cricket Board has been utilising the facility to run off several inter-county matches.
