Albion/Everest Independence Day Challenge shifted to July

Persistent rainfall has forced organisers of the highly anticipated Dave West Indian Imports’ Independence Day Challenge featuring the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and the Everest Cricket Club to postpone the 40-over contest, which was originally set to be played on Thursday (May 26).

The match has been shifted to a date to be confirmed in July, with the organisers hoping to have the top national players available for the contest.

Once available, Everest will have the likes of West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul, ODI batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj, Guyana Harpy Eagles opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, First-Class batsman Akshaya Persaud, West Indies Under-19 opener Matthew Nandu and all-rounder Clinton Pestano.

Albion will include Test spinner Veerasammy Permaul, West Indies T20 left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, former West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, Guyana Harpy Eagles wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble and all-rounder Jonathon Foo.

At the official launch of what would now become an annual feature on the local cricket calendar, Everest Cricket Club president Manzoor Nadir and Albion Secretary Omarnauth Outar both welcomed the move to have the club involved in a friendly yet competitive showpiece.

They both commended overseas-based Guyanese and title sponsor Dave Narine of Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports for seeing it fit to associate his company to such an endeavour.

Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports aside, Super Bet has come onboard as a sponsor, while the Guyana Tourism Authority has pledged its support.

The winning side will pocket G$500,000 and there are also other lucrative prizes on offer for individual brilliance. G$3,000 will be awarded to every six struck and G$2,000 for every four and wicket.