International cricket returns to Bourda…GCC to host 14 games in IMC over-40s CWC, semi-final included…..
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THE 45-over International Masters Cricket (IMC) over-40s Cricket World Cup will be played in Guyana from October 17 – 31 and bowls off with host team West Indies facing-off with Australia at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
The iconic Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda, in the heart of Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, which hosted 30 Tests and 13 ODIs between 1930 and 2006, will once again host international cricket.
Bourda, which hosted West Indies’ first Test victory in 1930 when England were beaten by 189 runs, was opened in 1884.
The historic Bourda hosted its last international match in 2006 when West Indies opposed Zimbabwe in an ODI before the last first-class game played there was in the 2010 regional season when the Leeward Islands played the Windward Islands.
Now, 16 years later, Bourda will host 14 of the 72 matches of the (IMC) over-40s Cricket World Cup, with the first being on the opening day (October 17) when England plays the USA from 09:30 AM.
On October 18, defending champions South Africa will battle Wales before India plays the Rest of the West Indies on October 20.
West Indies, which include six former Test players will be in action the next day when they oppose Namibia.
Another big game for Bourda is on October 23 when defending champions South Africa square-off with Australia.
When Chronicle Sports visited the venue on Thursday, work on Bourda sward was in full swing.
President of GCC Graham Ali informed that the organisers have given the Club a list of requirements for the ground, for the pavilion, for the changing rooms and are in constant contact with them working to ensure that all of their requirements are met.
Ali explained that putting up the posts with lights put a toll on the ground, but the square and a bit past the 30-yard has been maintained. “So, it’s just the four corners will have to be fixed. But with three weeks to go before the first match we are confident that all we set out to will be completed,” he stated.
According to club officials, being able to host matches in a tournament of this magnitude is very exciting.
Despite there is still a lot of work to do at a ground where club cricket is still played, GCC is confident that everything will be ready for the 17th of October.
“With (Ramnaresh) Sarwan in the West Indies team which will play here we expect a lot people should come out to see him bat on his home ground and club could make some money at the bar,” said a member.
While the main challenge is to get the ground into top condition during the extended dry spell, particularly as rolling the pitch requires adequate watering, GCC is confident of successfully hosting the matches.
Admission is free at all venues including Albion in Berbice and the Anna Regina Stadium in Essequibo. West Indies will play at both of these grounds.
(Source: Guyana Chronicle) photo and article by Sean Devers
The renowned Bourda ground under some preparations for the upcoming IMC Over-40s event
———————————————————————-
THE 45-over International Masters Cricket (IMC) over-40s Cricket World Cup will be played in Guyana from October 17 – 31 and bowls off with host team West Indies facing-off with Australia at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
The iconic Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda, in the heart of Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, which hosted 30 Tests and 13 ODIs between 1930 and 2006, will once again host international cricket.
Bourda, which hosted West Indies’ first Test victory in 1930 when England were beaten by 189 runs, was opened in 1884.
The historic Bourda hosted its last international match in 2006 when West Indies opposed Zimbabwe in an ODI before the last first-class game played there was in the 2010 regional season when the Leeward Islands played the Windward Islands.
Now, 16 years later, Bourda will host 14 of the 72 matches of the (IMC) over-40s Cricket World Cup, with the first being on the opening day (October 17) when England plays the USA from 09:30 AM.
On October 18, defending champions South Africa will battle Wales before India plays the Rest of the West Indies on October 20.
West Indies, which include six former Test players will be in action the next day when they oppose Namibia.
Another big game for Bourda is on October 23 when defending champions South Africa square-off with Australia.
When Chronicle Sports visited the venue on Thursday, work on Bourda sward was in full swing.
President of GCC Graham Ali informed that the organisers have given the Club a list of requirements for the ground, for the pavilion, for the changing rooms and are in constant contact with them working to ensure that all of their requirements are met.
Ali explained that putting up the posts with lights put a toll on the ground, but the square and a bit past the 30-yard has been maintained. “So, it’s just the four corners will have to be fixed. But with three weeks to go before the first match we are confident that all we set out to will be completed,” he stated.
According to club officials, being able to host matches in a tournament of this magnitude is very exciting.
Despite there is still a lot of work to do at a ground where club cricket is still played, GCC is confident that everything will be ready for the 17th of October.
“With (Ramnaresh) Sarwan in the West Indies team which will play here we expect a lot people should come out to see him bat on his home ground and club could make some money at the bar,” said a member.
While the main challenge is to get the ground into top condition during the extended dry spell, particularly as rolling the pitch requires adequate watering, GCC is confident of successfully hosting the matches.
Admission is free at all venues including Albion in Berbice and the Anna Regina Stadium in Essequibo. West Indies will play at both of these grounds.
(Source: Guyana Chronicle) photo and article by Sean Devers
The renowned Bourda ground under some preparations for the upcoming IMC Over-40s event