PRESIDENT of Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) Raj Singh and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs held wide-ranging discussions over the forthcoming International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s, 45-over Cricket World Cup tournament to be held in Guyana from October 17th to November 1st.
On Friday, they met at the Ministry of Sport on Main Street, Georgetown.
Topping the list of discussions was the launching of this 16-team tournament which is billed for October 9th at the GCC ground, Bourda, or the National Sports Hall.
Both Singh and Jacobs believed that the event for this global showpiece is an exciting way to kick-start the tournament.
The opening and closing ceremonies were also discussed as they thought to have a gala with a presentation of Guyana’s cultural activities. The opening ceremony will be held at the Railway Courtyard on October 16th, catering for about 500 guests whilst the closing ceremony will be held at the Police Officers Mess after the Grand Cup finale.
Matches for this tournament will be played across Guyana with the National Stadium, Providence, hosting the final.
Singh and Jacobs stated that grounds will be in good shape as intense works have begun and will be ready to host these historic games.
Albion in Berbice, Enmore, Lusignan and Malteenoes in Demerara are undergoing some refurbishments.
GCC, DCC, Police, Anna Regina Stadium, Joe Jagmohan at Hampton Court and Meten Meer Zorg are the other facilities to host matches.
Singh and Jacobs talked about the importance of having tight security protocols in place, given the fact that close to 350 athletes will be in Guyana along with their travelling families.
They discussed that emergency medical services will be set up too, despite six or seven matches are scheduled to be played simultaneously on some days
The countries participating are: defending champions South Africa, Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Wales, India, Colombia, Canada, the USA, Namibia, a Rest of the World X1 and a Rest of the Caribbean X1.
Some players will need a visa to enter Guyana and Minister Jacobs has committed direct government intervention to expedite and facilitate visa arrivals. Already, the Sri Lankan team visas have been granted through the intervention of Minister Jacobs with the Home Affairs Ministry and its PS Andre Ally.
Meanwhile, during their meeting, they highlighted that Guyana is an amazing place to visit since they have a variety of tourist attractions, including the majestic and iconic Kaieteur Falls. Minister Jacobs arranged for Mr Singh to meet with Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues in the coming week.
The tournament will be run by the IMC in collaboration with the CWIMA.
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, is serving as the tournament patron and is expected to bowl the historic first ball.
The previous edition was held in 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.
