Limacol CPL organisers sign agreement with MCYS for use of stadium

ORGANISERS of this year’s Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 Cricket tournament yesterday signed an agreement with the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) as the country’s franchise, the Amazon Warriors prepare to host four matches this year. The agreement now affords the CPL and the Amazon Warriors full access to the Guyana National Stadium, with the document highlighting two important additions to the long-term development of the stadium.

These are the installation of permanent replay screens and internet access, which will be available throughout the venue via Wi-Fi, while according to a release from the MCYS, work and inspections have already commenced for the matches which are scheduled for July 15-21.
“There are just a few minor tasks to be completed to make the stadium completely ready for the games,” the release added.
Guyanese can expect to see intense T20 matches between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Jamaica Tallawahs on July 15, Guyana Amazon Warriors and St. Lucia Zouks on July 17, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents on July 18 and against Trinidad &Tobago Red Steel on July 21.
Minister Dr Frank Anthony, emphasised that these matches are important for Guyana as they will be broadcast by ESPN and will be viewed by an estimated 60 billion people in 65 countries, allowing for tremendous exposure of Guyana’s potential, hospitality, assets and economic possibilities.
Dr Anthony recalled the large turnout by the Guyanese at last year’s matches and in this regard he added that a similar turnout is anticipated this year.
He also emphasised that the Ministry will be partnering with the CPL organisers to host another Captains Seminar for young cricketers, as was held in 2014 and was well received by the cricketers that attended. They were able to interact with a few members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team.
The release noted that this year, cricketers including Shiv Chanderpaul, Brad Hodge, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Christopher Barnwell and Denesh Ramdin will be engaged in the seminar.
The agreement document was signed by Permanent Secretary Alfred King on behalf of the MCYS and Team Operations manager for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, in the presence of Dr Anthony and Guyana National Stadium manager Anthony Xavier.
The 2015 Caribbean Premier League will officially start on June 20 in Barbados where the Guyana Amazon Warriors will be challenging the Barbados Tridents in the opening match.