Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago U-13 bilateral cricket tour plays on

A representative Guyana Under-13 cricket team arrives in Trinidad on Sunday for a series of matches against their TT counterparts.

The visit is part of a reciprocal arrangement between the TT Cricket Board (TTCB) and the Guyana Cricket Board, initiated last year when TT’s youngsters visited the South American nation for a similar match schedule.

This was announced at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre in Balmain, Couva, on Wednesday, by local cricket president and Cricket West Indies vice-president Azim Bassarath.

“The bilateral tour had its genesis in my deep-rooted belief that our regional cricket development should start at a much younger age than it currently is.

"So the TTCB was greatly pleased that the idea was warmly welcomed by the GCB which paved the way for the Trinidad and Tobago lads to make history late last year,” Bassarath said.

While here, the Guyanese youngsters will play four 40-Overs matches against TT on August 2, 4, 6 and 8. They will also be special guests at the One-Day International and T20 International matches against India at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on August 1 and 3.

He added, “We are certain that the benefits of the tour will offer a tremendous learning experience for both teams, which will no doubt cultivate friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

“Importantly also, it will give the young and talented cricketers a glimpse of the wonderful pathway to success, and a means to contribute to society which the game of cricket provides.

“Playing at home, the TTCB has high expectations that the national team which has been adequately prepared, will give of their best and make us proud.”

Bassarath said that the TTCB has been organising the most comprehensive youth cricket development programmes, unlike any other territorial board.

Recently, they’ve we completed four Inter Zone tournaments for U13, U15, U17 and U19 age groups, in addition to a four-team tournament for the U23s.

The investment in these intensive development-focused competitions has resulted in multiple regional championships over the years, he said.

Post-covid19, the TT U15 team returned home from Antigua with the regional Rising Stars Tournament trophy in an unbeaten run to the title.

Currently, the U19 boys are in St Vincent and the Grenadines overcoming several challenges to remain in strong contention to lift the League Championship.

Bassarath continued, “And we are now in the process of finalising arrangements to host the CWI U17 Regional competition which is set to bowl off on August 12.”

He thanked age group sponsors Price Club Supermarket, Scotiabank, and Point Lisas Steel Products Limited.

“I am proud to state that the Guyana U13 reciprocal visit has the support of The Price Club, and Tiger Tanks Trinidad Unlimited, the La Brea-based company, which is also a household name in Guyana.

“Tiger Tanks owner Dennis Latiff continues to make a significant contribution through his involvement not only in cricket but also as president of the Southern Football Association.

Latiff would be pleased to know that the reciprocal series between TT and Guyana, as conceptualised will provide a platform for the establishment of a CWI regional tournament for the Under-13s which is currently under consideration.”