THE Berbice Cricket Board, in its continuing effort to promote cricket in the ancient county, last Thursday launched the BCB/Cardiologist Services Inc. Under 21 Tournament.
The simple launching ceremony was attended by BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry, Administrator Angela Haniff, Junior Selector Chairman Balram Samaroo, and the staff of Cardiologist Services led by its head, Dr. Mahendra Carpen.
Chief Selector Balram Samaroo, at the presentation ceremony held in the Cardiologist Service office at the Mercy Hospital in Georgetown, noted the importance of the Under 21 tournament. He stated that it was a bridge between players finishing at the Under 19 level and the senior levels. Samaroo noted that many players become frustrated when they complete the Under 19 level, thinking that their cricketing careers are over. The Under 21 tournament offers them a chance to take their cricketing career forward and a chance to make the GWI Breakaway Tournament.
At least twenty teams across the county are expected to play in the tournament, including: Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town, Cotton Tree, No. 73 Young Warriors, Tucker Park, Bush Lot Sports Club, D’Edward Sports Club, Achievers Youth, Mt. Sinai and Rose Hall Welfare Centre
The tournament would be played on a knockout format for players born on or after the 1st of September, 2005. Samaroo, a senior member of the BCB Competition Committee, also stated that players like Adrian Hetmyer, Romesh Bharrat, Matthew Pottaya, Vishal Williams, Afraz Budhoo, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Ramario Ramdehol, Micah Amsterdam, Feaz Baksh, and Richard Ramdehol are expected to play.
BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry expressed thanks to Dr. Carpen and the medical group for their support and noted that the Under 21 is an important part of the board’s age limit format. The BCB, he disclosed, has secured sponsorship for tournaments at the Under 12, 13, 14, 16, 19, 21, and 23 levels, in addition to females, second division, intermediate, and first division levels. The BCB boss expressed thanks to his administration for hosting a successful tournament and to complete it by the end of the year.
Dr. Carpen stated that Cardiologist Service Inc. was very proud to be associated with Berbice Cricket. The game in the Ancient County has a proud tradition of producing top-class players, and he expressed the hope that more players would emerge from the Under 21 tournament. He announced that his company would sponsor the tournament for the next five years with increased financial sponsorship. The famed medical surgeon also announced that in 2027, the sponsorship, apart from being increased, would include cricket gears for participating teams, a comprehensive coaching programme for players, and a broad-based contribution to the overall development of the game across the county. Dr. Carpen, who hails from the cricketing village of Albion, stated that he is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of youth through the avenue of sports.