Former West Indies Test pacer Colin Stuart and Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Territorial Development Officer (TDO) informed that there would no Inter-County four-day cricket tournament or no trials to pick Guyana’s team for the second edition of the WICB’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day First Class tournament which starts on November 6.
“An Inter-County tournament was scheduled but we (GCB) were unable play it due to rain but we now have plans to run off an eight-team semi-professional league from which we can gage the players outside the pool of 15 contracted players and the 12 who are on the Academy contracts,” said Stuart, who rejoined the new Board in 2013 after a stint in the same position during the period 2005 -2008.
The former Malteenoes quickie is the direct liaison officer of the GCB with the WICB on all development programmes.
He disclosed this league will start from year end since the GCB is looking for sponsorship for it and planning a structure and format for such a competition which will involve players from all three counties in Guyana and hopefully players from overseas.
The 41-year-old who took 30 wickets from six Tests between December 2000 and November 2001, says that anyone who is playing competitive cricket for any first division team and consistently does well is eligible for National consideration under the pay-per-play system which offers only a match fee for matches you play even if you are not contracted by the Board.
Stuart agreed that it could be difficult to pick players outside of those contracted with no trials or Inter-County cricket being played but said the league system should correct this from next season.
“We (GCB) planned an Inter-County competition but unfortunately that was washed out. As we get closer to the tournament they are training sessions for all contracted players including the Academy guys. We also have two simulation games and next month we plan to play two practice games,” said Stuart who is mandated to deliver, jointly, with the GCB, development initiatives in line with the goals, strategies and objectives of the GCB for cricket in Guyana.
(Taken from Kaieteur News)