Cpl magazine2

LIMACOL CPL

guyanatimesgy.com

SPECIAL EDITION

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he Guyana Amazon Warriors wasted no time in returning to their home base following their win over Antigua Hawksbills in their opening match of the League in Grenada on July 11.

Arriving in Guyana a day after their opening game, the Warriors were greeted and congratulated by CPL franchise owner Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, who also shared words of encouragement.

Dr Ramroop told the team that the eyes of a cricket-loving nation were turned towards them and if they were to deliver to expectations they needed to maintain their focus throughout their matches.

There was a slight stutter against the Hawksbills but the Amazon Warriors held firm to pull off the win.

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Cricket is about partnerships and teamwork, and one cricketer, who has been involved in numerous partnerships and values the importance of teamwork, is the indomitable Clive Hubert Lloyd.

During a dazzling career spanning 23 years, Lloyd played many matchwinning knocks on his way to becoming not only one of the world’s finest batsmen, but one of the most successful Test captains of all time.

Years later, Lloyd may have left the field of play, but he has been busy rekindling partnerships, aligning himself with another partner of worldclass quality, the Limacol brand.

According to Dr Ramroop, “It’s not over till it’s over. If we want to succeed and become winners, we have to maintain our intensity and focus over the course of the entire game.”

He also said the grit and determination that the Amazon Warriors displayed in their win against the Hawksbills revealed a strength worthy of commendation.

“There was a refusal to be restricted by stereotypes about "batsmen" or "bowlers".

This is the mark of a good team - to reach within ourselves and do whatever is necessary to get the job done.”

Looking ahead to the home games, Dr Ramroop said the Amazon Warriors would be playing before a full stadium on Thursday against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel; on Saturday against

The 69-year-old former West Indies captain and winner of the first two Cricket World Cups in 1975 and 1979, recently had his contract renewed as Limacol Brand Ambassador for the exciting Limacol Caribbean Premier League.

According to the "Super Cat", as he is affectionately known, the long association with Limacol is a result of a courtship that incidentally started during his playing days, way back in the 80's.

“I have an affinity with Limacol going way back into the 1980s because I did an advertisement for them way down in Queensland, Australia, so it’s not a case that they’re new to me or I’m new to them,” the bespectacled former cricketer mentioned.

He added, “I told people before that whenever we came to Guyana, especially the Test team, a bottle of Limacol was always given to them and it was part of the water cart.”

Quizzed on his role as Limacol Brand Ambassador, Lloyd said it is based on promoting the Limacol brand to the world.

“It’s part of giving the Limacol brand that kind of lift…I don’t think they need it, because it is well known, but that’s my role to basically promote the brand,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Lloyd was optimistic about the success of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014 and the Guyana Amazon Warriors chances, having finished runners-up to the Jamaica Tallawahs

the St Lucia Zouks; and on Sunday against the Jamaica Tallawahs.

“This entire nation wants to see the Amazon Warriors win. Their hopes lie on you; their best wishes go with you; their cheers will resound for you - but in the end, it will all come down to what you do between now and the beginning of the first game on Thursday,” he said.

Dr Ramroop encouraged the Amazon Warriors to prepare themselves to be in condition to do the very best they are capable of doing.

“To play like geniuses at the game of cricket, but to perform like a genius, it is said, is due to one per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration. The secret of success is Preparation! Preparation!

Preparation!” added Dr Ramroop.

in the final last year.

“The Limacol CPL is a very good tournament, as it proved last year. A lot of people attended the games and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We narrowly missed out in the final, but I’m hoping that we can go one better and win the tournament because we have a very good team,” Lloyd concluded Brilliant career Lloyd’s final record as captain was remarkable, including a run of 26 Tests without defeat, and 11 successive wins. He also became the first West Indian to win 100 Test caps.

His 110 Tests yielded 7,515 runs with 19 hundreds at an average of 46.67, including a careerbest of 242, while he ammassed 31,232 runs from

490 First-Class matches with 79 centuries.

Having been a schoolboy athletics champion, he became a brilliant cover fielder before knee problems forced a move to the slips, where he pouched many of his 90 Test catches.

A promising career as ICC Match Official (he officiated in both semi-final and final of the 1996 World Cup) was put on hold to take on the management of the West Indies team after their disappointments in the World Cup. It was a frustrating period for Lloyd, whose hands were tied by the decision not to appoint him a full selector (although he was a selector while on tour), and whose responsibilities became increas-

ingly administrative.

He resigned at the end of the 1999 tour of New Zealand after a three-year period that coincided with a decline in the fortunes of West Indies cricket.

With that experience behind him, he resumed his duties as an ICC Match Referee - a position he occupied with great presence and no little humour to earn the respect and confidence of the players. They knew he understood the game as well as anyone and that he held the good of the game in the highest regard at all times.

In 2008 Lloyd was appointed the Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee after Sunil Gavaskar stepped down to pursue his role as a media columnist and commentator.

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From Left: Former Pakistan T20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez, former West Indies Under-19 skipper Leon Johnson, West Indies Test captain and Amazon Guyana Warriors skipper Denesh Ramdin, Limacol CPL Operations Manager Omar Khan, Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Limacol Brand Ambassador and former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, and Director of Sport Neil Kumar

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yes beaming with enthusiasm and the reality of sharing a room with some high-profile cricketers, including former Pakistan T20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez and West Indies Test captain and Amazon Guyana Warriors skipper Denesh Ramdin, participants of the Captains’ Seminar held at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue in Georgetown made full use of the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best as they fired questions to the head table.

The seminar was an initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League and was aimed at increasing the knowledge of captains and vice-captains in the development of cricket captaincy.

Another objective was to expose captains and vice-captains to the tools and methods required for managing teams for successful match outcomes.

Among those present were former West Indies Under-19 captain Leon Johnson, former West Indies Test great and one of the most successful captains of all time, Clive H Lloyd, Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Limacol CPL Operations Manager Omar Khan and Director of Sport Neil Kumar.

All of the players at the head table were of the opinion that it was important to motivate their players even when they would have erred on the field and that captaincy was about being able to maintain composure while making decisions under pressure.

Lloyd said one of his reasons for success was that he was able to think ahead of the game by at least an hour and ensured that the players were well briefed in advance on their fielding positions, based on who was batting or bowling.

Some of the participants wanted to know about the experience of captaining a team that consisted of players from different countries and who would have been engaged in rivalry before. Ramdin said it was about being professionals and sportmen at the same time, knowing that persons have invested in a unit of different players and it was their job to work together and give of their best.

At the end of the session, the participants, mostly youngsters, did not hesitate to ensure they got a moment and photograph with some of their icons. (Reuben Stoby)

The seminar was aimed at increasing the knowledge of captains and vice-captains in the development of cricket captaincy

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By Rajiv Bisnauth

uyana and Trinidad and Tobago have one of the best and most famous rivalries in regional cricket, despite the make-up of the teams and the format of the game.

Both countries, with matching firepower, will come face to face in game five of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League when Guyana Amazon Warriors take on Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in what promises to be a high-voltage game on Thursday.

The Guyana National Stadium provides the neutral setting for a match which will really whet the appetite of the purist, despite neither side enjoying particularly good form, although both won their respective opening encounter.

Last year’s runners-up, the Amazon Warriors, saw off the spirited challenge of Antigua Hawksbills by two wickets last Friday in Grenada, while the Red Steel easily disposed of the Barbados Tridents the following day.

In their three meetings from last year’s tournament, it is the Warriors who hold the upper-hand, winning two out of the three games.

The last time these two arch-rivals met in such a tournament, the Warriors emerged triumphant by seven wickets. That game was played at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad on

August 22, 2013.

The two sides met in two other games during that tourna tournament, with both teams winning a game apiece.

The Warriors drew first blood, win winning hand handsomely at home by 19 runs, before the Red Steel scraped home by three runs in the return game.

Although history favours the Warriors, on paper, there is very little to separate the teams. However, what makes the clash even more interesting is the emotion attached to it.

The Warriors line-up is boosted with four Trinidadians which could be the difference but despite that, it is expected that these two franchises will continue the tradition of intense rivalry as was the case when the countries met in last year’s tournament.

Conditions should play a key role in the contest and

the amount of dew on the Providence sward tonight is likely to dictate how T20 mystery spinner Sunil Narine performs for the Warriors against the team representing the country of his birth.

Narine – not unexpectedly – is the most potent weapon for the Trinidadians. Narine has come in at various stages of an innings and has invariably delivered every single time – both through penetration and economy.

He is the undisputed leader of the bowling pack, but around him is a bunch of exceptionally driven and gifted individuals who are stars in their own right, so no matter what total their batsmen put up, they have the resources to successfully defend that score.

The local team’s fast bowling artillery consists of debutant Ronsford Beaton, New Zealand’s James Neesham, Jamaican Krishmar Santokie along with the seam bowling pair of Christopher Barnwell, Lendl Simmons and Navin Stewart.

Test left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, offspinners Mohammad Hafeez and Steven Jacobs are expect-

ed to play key roles. The Warriors’ batting strength is formidable, with seven players from the squad with having international experiexperi ence.

But looking to the opposoppos ing side, despite the prespres ence of spinners Samuel Badree and Sulieman Benn, the visitors have arguably more fire power in the fast bowling department.

Fidel Edwards and Shannon Gabriel will lead that department.

Kevon Cooper, left-arm seamer Delorn Johnson and Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien are all capable of seam-bowling support.

The Red Steel batting lineup includes the Bravo siblings (Dwayne and Darren), Ross Taylor, Pakistan’s Nasir Jamshed, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Mohammed and Kevin O’Brien.

Aggression aside, the key to the contest of equals would lie in how quickly both teams adapt to the pitch.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sunil Narine, Robin Bacchus, Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton,

Trevon Griffith, Martin Guptill, Steven Jacobs, Leon Johnson, Mohammad Hafeez, James Neesham, Veerasammy Permaul, Krishmar Santokie, Lendl Simmons and Navin Stewart.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel squad: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Kevon Cooper, Fidel Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Delorn Johnson, Kennar Lewis, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Nasir Jamshed, Kevin O’Brien, Nicolas Pooran and Ross Taylor.

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the competition this year, Narine pointed out that a few areas of the line-up have been strengthened in order to ensure the franchise goes one step further and claim the title following defeat at the hands of the Chris Gayleled Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013.

“I think we’ve improved with our lower-order batting and fire power with the ball, so I think we have a good chance, but saying that I think we have to take it game by game and starting Thursday we have to give a good showing,” the spinner reckoned.

Narine’s next assignment is a showdown against his country’s franchise, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on Thursday July 17 at the National Stadium, Providence.

They will then face the St Lucia Zouks on Saturday and the Jamaica Tallawahs on Sunday with both weekend games starting at 16:00h at the same venue.

maiden, three runs, no wicket against the Antigua Hawksbills.

“Yes I’m a bit surprised because ith an unusual action, delivering the with the amount of technology there ball from high-arm, Sunil Narine is now, bowlers with a little mystery has confused many a batsmen in don’t even last a year, so I think it’s three short years on international cricket. very nice that I continue to do it and It’s no surprise that globe-trotting T20 player hoepfully it can last for more than is still being labelled the mystery spinner for three years,” Narine said. he has befuddled the most acThe Trinidad and Tobago crickcrick complished of players in every eter has been a revrev League he has played. elation in domestic Yet, with all the T20 cricket, snapping “I think we’ve improved successes that have up 168 wickets in 131 with our lower-order come his way, the games at an average Trinidadian, sportbatting and fire power of 16.33 and misermiser ing a Mohawk that with the ball so I ly ecomony rate always remains unthink we have a good of 5.48, appearappear ruffled amid all the ing for Trinidad chance, but saying confusion he puts and Tobago, that I think we have to batsmen through, is Guyana Amazon take it game by game surprised that with W a r r i o r s , the technology availand starting Thursday Kolkata Knight able in the modern we have to give a Riders, Barisal game batsmen are Burners and good showing,” the still having sleepless Cape Cobras. spinner reckoned. nights over his artIn 31 T20 istry.

Internationals, He continued Narine has snared 38 his dominance last Friday wickets at 17.52 and an ecomony rate in the opening match of the of 5.70.

Limacol Caribbean Premier League, returnMeanwhile, commenting on ing extraordinary figures of four overs, one Guyana Amazon Warriors chances in

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

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Limacol CPL exposure was good, says Kemo Paul A

t age 16, Kemo Mandela Angus Paul is regarded as one of the most impressive Under-19 local all-rounders, and after being the standout all-rounder in the recently-concluded Guyana Cricket Board three-day Under-19 Inter-County tournament, during which he scored a century, his performances did not go unnoticed.

The multitalented athlete was snapped up by the Guyana Amazon Warriors as one of six Under-19 players for the Warriors preparatory camp.

“Well, despite my good performances in the Inter-County tournament, I was surprised by the selection. Nevertheless, the exposure was good, mixing with all the seniors players was an experience,” the Essequibo Islands Secondary School student told Guyana Times Sport.

He added: “This is just another opportunity whereby my game can improve.”

The Under-19 players have been involved in all training sessions and other team activities during the Guyana Amazon Warriors camp and match practise scheduled for their home games only. However, the players are not part of the selection process on match days.

This year, each franchise team consists of a squad of 19 players, comprising two preselected players – one West Indies Franchise Player (WIFP) and one International Franchise Player (IFP), selected by the franchise, as well as four Under-19 players.

However, as an initiative geared toward the development of young cricketers, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors widened the pool of Under-19 players to six.

Kemo Paul

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By Rajiv Bisnauth

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alented Guyana and West Indies ‘A’ team fast bowler, Ronsford Beaton, labelled his inclusion in the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League as great timing for his promising career.

Beaton, who hails from the Village of Reliance on the Essequibo Coast, will be turning out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and is among five newcomers in the Warriors’ line-up.

The 21-year-old Central Essequibo pacer, who had pulled out from last year’s edition because of injury, has joined the aggressive New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham; Trinidad and Tobago fast-bowling all-rounder Navin Stewart; opening batsman Robin Bacchus; and middle-order batsman Leon Johnson, as the newcomers in the 15-member squad.

Beaton says he’s definitely looking forward to the Limacol CPL, and thinks it is a great prospect for his personal development. “It is definitely an advantage to be working with someone like Roger Harper and Curtly Ambrose; and with so many interna-

tional players in the dressing room, the only thing you can do is learn, so I am really looking forward to that opportunity.

“Definitely, I want to perform to the best of my ability and come out with a good economy rate and at the same time give the regional selectors something to work with,” Beaton explained The Guyana franchise will be coached by former West Indies off-spinner Roger Harper, with former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose as his assistant.

The Warriors will boast a strong team with the likes of New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham, who is the Guyana franchise international star; Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez; and New Zealand opening batsman Martin Guptill, being the other two international stars.

They will be joined by an array of regional stars including Trinidad and Tobago’s Navin Stewart, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, West Indies franchise player Sunil Narine and Jamaican’s Krishmar Santokie.

The other players selected in the Guyana franchise are Guyanese Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Steven Jacobs, Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus and Trevon Griffith.

Beaton says he believes the Warriors possess the ability to go all the way in the tournament.

“II think we have a very good chance of winning this time around. We have a balanced side and I am just looking forfor ward to really interacting with the othoth er international guys and enjoying the cricket,” said Beaton.

Beaton has always aspired to be a professional cricketer and the Limacol CPL has brought him another step closer to fulfilling his life-long dream.

“From the time I knew myself I always wanted to play cricket. I want to play international crickcrick et for the West Indies and become a very successsuccess ful international cricketcricket er,” he said. “It depends on how destiny goes.

Sometimes you just don’t know. I will just continue to work hard, enjoy my cricket and take it step by step.”

Ronsford Beaton

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Navin Stewart EXCITED EXCIT ED ABOUT PLAYING IN (By Rajiv Bisnauth)

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rinidad and Tobago fast-bowling all-rounder Navin Stewart, one of the hottest commodities in Twenty20 cricket in the Region, is anxiously eyeing the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League as yet another chance to make his mark in world cricket and continue his swift rise to recognition.

One of five newcomers in the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ line-up, the 30-year-old told this publication on Tuesday from Trinidad and Tobago that he is excited to be part of the second edition.

With four first-class matches and 17 T20 games under his belt, Stewart has joined the hard-hitting New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham, Guyanese fast bowler Ronsford

Beaton, opening Bacchus and midman Leon Johnson ers in the 15-mem15-mem “I am very excited with Limacol CPL, and it is a great initiative mixmix international stars,” said “The Limacol CPL

dynamcompetiwho reped T&T last year’s Champions League T20, will be joined by fellow p l a y -

batsman Robin dle-order batsas the newcomber squad. to be on board am looking forward to it. I think ing the local players with some Stewart. will feature some of the world’s best cricketers and I can’t wait to test my skills and play in what is going to be a ic and exciting tion.”

Stewart, resentat

T & T ers Lendl S i m m o n s , Denesh Ramdin and franchise player Sunil Narine. He added: “It is going to be a lot different playing for Guyana and not playing for Trinidad and Tobago but it is good to be part of it. Now I need to go out there and show what I am capable of doing. It is going to be a different set-up; i t is going to be a whole new team, but I am looking forward to it.”

Well-balanced Speaking about the teams in the tournament, Stewart said: “I think it is going to be a good tournament. On paper, all the teams are looking strong, so it is going to be a tough tournament to play.

“There are a lot of good foreign players and I think the teams are well-balanced.”

Although he is representing Guyana, who are u s u ally bitter rivals with T&T in regional competitions, Stewart said he welcomed the opportunity and would give of his best.

“It is cricket. It is something I love doing.

It is going to be very strange playing for Guyana, but at the end of the day that is the job and that is what professionals have to do. I will go out there and give it my best and hopefully Guyana can win this time around,” he added.

The Guyana franchise will be coached by former West Indies off-spinner Roger Harper and former West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose.

Neesham is the Guyana franchise’s international star. The other two international players in the team are Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and New Zealand opening batsman Martin Guptill The other regional player in the Guyana franchise is Jamaican Krishmar Santokie, while Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Steven Jacobs, Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus and Trevon Griffith are the local players.

“It is going to be differe a nt set up; it is goin g to be a who le new te am, bu t I am l ooking forwa rd to i t”

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10 Limacol CPL outing another developmental phase (By Rajiv Bisnauth)

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ational Under-19 opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul was among six players selected by the Guyana Amazon Warriors as part of the local franchise’s preparatory camp, and according to the soft-spoken lefthander, the opportunity was just another developmental phase in his promising career.

Young Chanderpaul plans to use the experience to improve his personal game. “To be among head coach Roger Harper and a number of top T20 stars was a great feeling. I learnt so much, so my personal game can also improve,” the talented Chanderpaul said.

Chanderpaul, who represented Guyana in nine first-class games, joined talented Everest Cricket Club fast bowler Kevin Paul, fellow West Indies Under-19 opener Shimron Hetmyer, Demerara Cricket Club left-arm fast bowler Daniel Basdeo, Essequibo all-rounder Kemo Paul, and 16-year-old, West Coast Demerara batsman Akshaya Persaud.

This year, each franchise team consists of a squad of 19 players, comprising two pre-selected players – one West Indies Franchise Player (WIFP) and one International Franchise Player (IFP), as well as four Under-19 players from each playing franchise.

However, as an initiative geared toward the development of young cricketers, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors widened the pool of Under-19 players to six.

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he "Biggest Party in Sport" has been creating waves that go beyond entertaining cricket fans on match days, as host countries feel its stimulating effect on their economies, including Guyana.

Research carried out by the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM), University of the West Indies (UWI) found that the 2013 Limacol Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 (CPLT20) tournament generated a combined impact of US$105.6 million across the Region.

Limacol CPL was launched last year to sell-out crowds, with over 250,000 spectators attending matches across Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and St Lucia.

Global stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah Muralitharan took part in the tournament, dubbed the “Biggest Party in Sport”, and where franchise team shareholders included Hollywood stars Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler.

The competition is estimated to have boosted gross domestic product (GDP) by as much as 0.7 per cent in some countries, a tremendous boost given the fact that some countries hosted just three days of cricket.

“With the Region still feeling the effects of the global financial crisis, (Limacol) CPL has been a real shot in the arm for the Caribbean,” UWI’s Professor Densil Williams said. “The tournament could trigger an even bigger revival, because as it grows and the brand becomes more recognised, we anticipate that the impact on the economies will be much greater.”

President Donald Ramotar in March highlighted the positive impact of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the tremendous benefits that Guyana would have derived from the hosting of four matches in the inaugural tournament last year.

The head of state pointed out that the tournament is an excellent platform for the promotion of sport tourism, a concept his Government embraces.

While pointing out that his Government is keen on building quality sport facilities across the country, it is also committed to exploring the economic benefits of sport, thus a major investment in the Limacol CPL in 2013.

“Guyana invested US$175,000 and was to receive about US$915,000 worth of marketing exposure for the country – that’s the estimate from the experts – and about US$4 million worth in direct and indirect value through our hotels, our restaurants and the transportation system. As I said, this was according to the experts doing the economic impact study that was conducted by the Mona School of Business and Management of Jamaica,” President Ramotar explained.

The President said his Administration will always invest in events such as the Limacol CPL, as marketing Guyana through sport is critical to the economic well-being of the country.

“When you look at that one example [the Limacol CPL], you will see that if we can look at how we can broaden our revenue base so that we can do more for our people by providing more goods and services and here this gives you a clear example that sports tourism is an area that we can seriously look at in order to enhance our revenue base and diversify even further the economy of the country,” His Excellency pointed out.

At a time when Caribbean nations have been keen to boost economic growth, the Limacol CPL provided a muchneeded stimulus. Twenty-six days of carnival-like entertainment, coupled with exciting cricket, generated a significant economic incentive to the host countries, given the huge dollar spend over a short period of time.

The estimated total economic impact of Limacol CPL 2013 for each host country is as follows: Antigua, US$7.35 million; Barbados, US$9.1 million; Guyana, US$4 million; Jamaica, US$10.65 million; Trinidad, US$12.85 million, St Lucia US$7.3 million. An additional US$54 million was raised by spending across all six countries.

In addition to providing a financial boost to the Region, the competition has also helped to put domestic West Indian cricket back on the map, with the tournament being televised across the globe, including in the US, India, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Hailed by supporters, players and administrators as an overwhelming success, the Limacol CPL is part of a bigger vision to develop the game of cricket in the Region.

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irst Round action in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2014 bowled off on July 11 at the National Stadium in Grenada with Guyana Amazon Warriors beating the Antigua Hawksbills. Play continued the following day at the same venue with victories for Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel over Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs over St Lucia Zouks. Here are some of the highlights in pictures.

A Jamaica Tallawahs player is airborne as he attempts a catch Ronsford Beaton is ecstatic after taking a wicket against the Antigua Hawksbills

Veerasammy Permaul puts in the dive on the boundary edge

The Limacol Super Fans have been innovative this year

Martin Guptill rocks back to pierce the off-side field

Nicholas Pooran effects a run out

The cheerleaders have been out in their numbers again this year

Rayad Emrit is frustrated as Ross Taylor gathers runs

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Guyana Amazon Warriors' Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Martin Guptill and Leon Johnson at COURTS Guyana Inc

The Guyana Amazon Warriors made an early return to home soil after winning their opening ga

Dwayne Bravo in conversation with Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and former President Bharat Jagdeo

Group photo after dinner at the Grand Coastal Hotel

Guyana Amazon Warriors with Limacol CPL franchi

Customer 'bowl off' at COURTS Guyana Inc

Krishmar Santokie surrounded by Digicel employees

Cricket fans getting their Guyana Am

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Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel team members disembark at Palm Court

pening game in the Limacol CPL T20 tournament which bowled off in Grenada on Friday, July 11.

A Digicel employee examines her picture taken with Sunil Narine

Martin Guptil and Tagenarine Chanderpaul fielding questions from the media

L franchise owner, Dr Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop

yana Amazon Warriors merchandise

Gordon Greenidge and Clive Lloyd with a guest at Palm Court

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More photo highlights of Limacol CPL 2014

Veerasammy Permaul and Lendl Simmons share a light moment with Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

President Donald Ramotar in conversation with players from the Guyana Amazon Warriors and guests at Palm Court

Learning from the "great one" Clive Lloyd

Guyana Amazon Warriors captain Denesh Ramdin addresses the gathering at a dinner at Palm Court

Core sessions at the Guyana National Stadium

More training sessions at the Guyana National Stadium

This would work! A patron sizes up a branded shirt at Courts Guyana Inc

Guyana Amazon Warriors in a practice game ahead of their major assignments

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By AvenAsh RAmzAn

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ans heading to the National Stadium for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games need not worry about their safety as a strict and detailed security plan has been put in place for the three days.

Security Manager George Vyphuis, speaking on the eve of the first match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, was adamant all corners were covered and it was now just a matter of execution.

Vyphuis said the support of the Guyana Police Force and private security has been critical in setting up

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Firearms, weapons, knives and imitation weapons Fireworks, explosives, flammable items* Mace/ gas containers Glass bottles or containers/ Alcohol Illegal drugs or narcotics Cans (soft drinks and alcohol) Animals (except guide dogs) Tripods for cameras Video cameras or camcorders Management reserves

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a security network that includes traffic and stadium management.

The former Commander of ‘A’ Division pointed out that the plan can only be effective if fans adhere to the guidelines that have been set out to offer a smooth and incident-free passage to and from the venue.

“From a security perspective, we’re set. However, I want to advise persons to come to the ground early, get your seats and be comfortable. When you get there early you can find your seats more easily. What we want to avoid is people arriving late and making other people uncomfortable by passing

the right to refuse entry to any person carrying or wearing any other items or substances that may be deemed to be offensive, disruptive, dangerous or likely to infringe any party’s rights or any party’s safety or security or any dangerous article or substance not referred to above.

Items marked with a single asterisk do have certain exceptions- see restricted list Items marked with a

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in front of them and blocking them seeing,” Vyphuis advised.

According to the Security Manager, there will be a ‘soft ticket’ checkpoint upon arrival at the Stadium, followed by the usual security search at the turnstiles and the scanning of patrons being they are being directed to their respective seating area.

“We don’t want people to be uncomfortable; that’s not our aim.

We want everyone to come out and enjoy the game and to be able to do that we’re asking them for their total cooperation. We’re asking to follow the list of prohibited and restricted

double asterisk may be permitted in the case of Event match-days hosted by CPL. Umbrellas: collapsible personal umbrellas.

Large umbrellas (e.g. golf beach) are not golf, permitted.

Cooler bags/ boxes no larger than 12”*12”*12” (must be able to fit under the seat). Same size applies to open areas (grounds).

Own foodstuff (with plastic cutlery) Soft drinks/water in

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items, which is very clear,” he added.

Special traffic arrangements have been put in place and Vyphuis is urging persons heading to the Stadium and those traversing the East Bank Demerara thoroughfare to pay strict attention to signs that have been erected, as well as instructions of law enforcement officials on the ground.

The Guyana Police Force said special traffic arrangements will be put in place, as seen necessary, between Houston and Providence, East Bank Demerara, in order to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic to and from the Stadium.

plastic bottles Flasks Cameras for recreational and personal noncommercial use only Balls, bats Banners and flags up to a maximum size of 1.5m *1m (5’*3’) provided that, in the opinion of the Management they are not vulgar, vulgar political, racial, discriminatory, sexual in nature, or display advertising which may in any way impinge or will be in conflict with the

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George Vyphuis Those arrangements will cater for three lanes of traffic going south towards the Stadium- two lanes on the eastern carriageway and the eastern lane of the western carriageway.

The western lane of the western carriage way will be used, as normal, by vehicles proceeding north towards Georgetown. Traffic ranks will be in place to direct the flow of traffic during the periods when the special traffic arrangements are in effect and motorists are asked to cooperate.

rights of the partners/ sponsors/suppliers/ vendors of the event (in any language) or deemed to be offensive or impact on the view of other spectators.

Any flag poles (sticks) may not protrude more than a hand’s breadth below the flag Small radios, CD/ DVD/ MP3 players Glass containers: Perfume, prescription medication or insect repellent bottles only Aerosol deodorant, medication or insect

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repellent only Cigarette lighters/ matches (these may be prohibited in some venues, e.g Kensington Oval) Any other objects or items or substances that may be deemed in the discretion of CPL to be offensive, disruptive, dangerous or likely to infringe any party’s rights or any party’s safety or security or any dangerous article or substance not referred to above.

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Limacol is urging fans to be “extreme and outrageous” in their apparel for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League

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et outrageous, get extreme’ at Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2014, and be a winner! That’s the message the Limacol brand is sending to the cricket-crazy fans ahead of the Guyana leg of the Limacol CPL. To win, fans simply have to don something “extreme and out-

rageous”, depicting the Limacol brand or any of the two teams playing on any given day.

Lavasti Bhooplall, the Marketing Associate of NEW GPC Inc., the producers of Limacol, said the aim of the Limacol Cool Fan award is to get fans intricately involved in the whole excitement that is as-

sociated with the Limacol CPL. “We will have our local management team at the ground and they will be looking for the fan with the most extreme and outrageous outfit or costume that portrays one of the two teams playing or the Limacol brand,” she pointed out.

The fan who is judged to have best portrayed what the panel is looking for will be US$100 richer and will also have his/her claim to fame being displayed on the massive screens that will be erected around the venues.

Andrew McKend, the Media and Marketing Officer of the Limacol CPL, highlighted that the promotion will not just take place in Guyana, but at all the venues earmarked to host matches during the tournament.

“At every venue that is a match is being played Limacol will make available US$100 for the Limacol Cool Fan so we will have at the end of the tournament 30 Limacol Cool Fans,” McKend said.

So fans, be creative, be innovative, be outrageous, be extreme and become a winner in Limacol CPL 2014!

By Rajiv Bisnauth

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eventeen-year-old Shimron Hetmyer expressed delight at being part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors preparatory camp for the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL).

The former Berbice High School student, who has been a steady performer over the years, was among six Under-19 players called up for the preparatory camp.

This year, each franchise team consists of a squad of 19 players, comprising two pre-selected players – one West Indies Franchise Player (WIFP) and one International Franchise Player (IFP) – selected by the franchise, as well as four Under-19 players from each playing franchise.

However, as an initiative geared toward the development of young cricketers, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors widened the pool of Under-19 players to six.

“I was a bit surprised not to be among the first four players selected first up. Nevertheless, I’m happy to be part of the camp,” Hetmyer said from his home in Canje, Berbice.

Shimron Hetmyer

He added, “Working with head coach Roger Harper and others was great. It was definitely another learning experience for me.”

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Limacol CPL stars hail T20 tournament “

Sulieman Benn

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PL is one of the best things to come out of the Caribbean and I am truly honoured to be a part of it and play for the Red Steel,” were the words of West Indies spinner and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel player Sulieman Benn.

The 6' 7" spinner, who took four wickets in the CPL last year, had nothing but praise for the tournament. “Big Benn”, as he is more affectionately called, was retained by the Red Steel. The lanky bowler is one of many stars who have hailed the tournament now in its second year.

Excited to be the captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, recently appointed West Indies test skipper, Denesh Ramdin, commented prior to the start of the tournament that “captaining the Guyana Amazon Warriors is a new experience for me, but I am ready to take up that role and I will be working hard to ensure we come out as winners this season.”

With the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Captain Ramdin believes that the team would mesh smoothly, saying: “We have a number of players on the team who can truly make a positive impact from the start like Martin Guptill, Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons just to name a few, so I am confident in my team. We did not make a lot of changes, so we should not take a long time to gel.”

West Indies ODI and Red Steel Captain, Dwayne Bravo, was succinct when he said: “A good start leads to good momentum and that is what we did not have last season – something we are looking to change this time out.”

Last season, the Red Steel lost their first three games and ended up clinching a spot in the semi-finals on the penultimate day of the group stages by winning their match against the St Lucia Zouks.

One player who is new to the CPL is 32 year old leg-break spinner, Odean Brown, who was drafted by the Jamaica Tallawahs. Despite battling injuries in the last three years, the Westmoreland-born man is delighted to be involved, and said; “It’s great being part of the CPL experience. This is my first season and, with all the injuries I have had, I am happy to finally have a shot and it is even better as I am playing with the Jamaica Tallawahs.”

With the Limacol CPL 2014 now in its second round, the excitement is expected to balloon with the sold out matches in the cricket-loving nation of Guyana.

Dwayne Bravo

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Kiwi legend Daniel Vettori is among those to have joined the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ for 2014

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he Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) welcomed some new faces to the second edition of the high-octane T20 competition.

Among those who joined the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ this year are Kiwi pair Jimmy Neesham and Daniel Vettori who are the International Franchise Players for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs respectively.

England international Owais Shah linked up with the Tallawahs while Ben Dunk, Player of the Tournament in this year’s Big Bash League, brought his big hitting to the Antigua Hawksbills.

West Indies batsman Kirk Edwards, who played in all three Tests in the recent series against New Zealand is with the Barbados Tridents while batsman, Shacaya Thomas joined Dunk at the Hawksbills.

Those who stood aside for the newcomers are Thisara Perera, Antigua Hawksbills (selected for Sri Lanka ‘A’ tour); Kieran Powell, Antigua Hawksbills (personal reasons); Ahmed Shehzad, Jamaica Tallawahs (unavailable due to PCB training camp); and Imran Nazir, Barbados Tridents, (injured).

CPL Cricket Operations Director Michael Hall had said: It goes to show the strength of the Caribbean Premier League that we are able to draft in such talented and popular replacements for those who are now unavailable. It is a tournament that is on the lips of every cricketer in the world at the moment, and although international commitments and injuries have taken their toll, we are always confident of having plenty of talented cricketers ready and willing to step in.”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League took the Caribbean by storm in its inaugural year and is already set to live up to expectations of being bigger and better.

From left: Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, CPL Brand Ambassador, Sir Garfield Sobers, CPL CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, CPL Performance Director, Sir Viv Richards, CPL COO, Pete Russell

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est Indies cricketing knights Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Viv Richards have confirmed their long-term support for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, after being appointed to the Senior Management Team.

Sir Viv has been appointed as Performance Director and Sir Garfield assumes the role of CPL Brand Ambassador. Sir Garfield and Sir Viv are widely regarded as two of the greatest cricketers of all time, and their support speaks volumes for the success of the CPL, which began its second season with a thrilling opening weekend in Grenada which saw wins for Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Red Steel and the Jamaica Tallawahs, for whom Chris Gayle scored the first ever CPL century.

Dubbed ‘The Biggest Party in Sport’, CPL thrilled sell-out crowds across the Caribbean in 2013. The tournament is set to be even bigger and better this year with global stars including Chris Gayle, Ross Taylor, Kevin Pietersen, Sunil Narine, Shoaib Malik and Marlon Samuels among the world class cricketers on show.

Damien O’Donohoe CEO, Limacol Caribbean Premier League said: The support of these two giants of the game is a ringing endorsement for the CPL. The opening weekend showed we’re going from strength to strength and we will benefit hugely from the vast cricketing expertise that Sir Viv and Sir Garfield will bring.

Sir Garfield Sobers CPL Brand Ambassador said: I’m proud to be associated with the CPL, ahead of what

promises to be a thrilling 2014 tournament. The CPL has been absolutely fantastic for cricket in the Caribbean, and this year’s tournament looks set to win even more fans across the region, and around the world.

Sir Viv Richards, Performance Director, CPL said: I’ve seen first hand the benefits the CPL has had on the Caribbean. Up and coming youngsters get the chance to play with and against some of the best players in the world, and the next generation of cricketers can cheer on their heroes in packed stadiums. 2014 is going to be even bigger and better than last year, so the future is bright for the CPL. The Limacol Caribbean Premier League runs from July 11 to August 16, with 30 matches taking place over 37 days. (cplt20.com)

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aptivating cricket and soldout carnival-like crowds, combined to give a unique Caribbean flavour, have been the heart of the incredible success of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), dubbed the ‘Biggest Party in Sport.’

But apart from the excitement that is clearly visible on television screens globally, there is a massive group of stakeholders who have silently played their roles behind the scenes to shape the fortunes of the Caribbean’s first franchisebased T20 tournament.

While personnel from each territory are responsible

for various aspects of the tournament, including security, ticketing, branding, logistics, stadium preparation, volunteers and media, among others, there are several major partners who have brought their resources to the fore – both financially and in kind – to make the Limacol CPL an instant hit with both the players and spectators.

Led by the ‘Freshness of a Breeze in a Bottle’, the Limacol brand, produced and bottled by NEW GPC INC, several corporate entities have embraced the League from its inception, while others have joined in for the second edition, which got off

to a sizzling start in Grenada on Friday last.

While Limacol has assumed the role of title sponsor, the other League partners are Digicel, Demerara Distillers Limited, Guardian Group, Courts, S M Jaleel (Busta), and Caribbean Airlines.

“We want to thank all those sponsors who have come onboard to ensure the Limacol CPL was a massive success in 2013. Our gratitude to them for staying the course, and we also welcome the new partners as we work to make the 2014 edition even bigger and better,” Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop,

title sponsor of the tournament, commented.

He added, “Sponsorship for an undertaking of the magnitude of the Limacol CPL is critical and we want to commend those companies for investing in the tournament, for investing in cricket, a truly Caribbean sport.”

Dr Ramroop also had a few words of encouragement for the hundreds of personnel in the various territories, who would have worked tirelessly and beyond the call of duty to lay the groundwork for the success of the six-team franchise tournament.

“We must not forget the

roles they have played in putting this magnificent tournament together and all kudos must go to them for the fantastic job they have done and continue to do,” Dr Ramroop, whose brand Limacol is also lead sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, said.

The second edition of the Limacol CPL will run until August 16 with the Chris Gayle-led Jamaica Tallawahs putting their title on the line against last year’s beaten finalist Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Kevin Paul

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hile he was surprised by the call up to the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ preparatory camp as one of the Under-19 selectees, Kevin Paul cherished every moment of it.

Paul, a talented fast bowler from the Everest Cricket Club, was one of six Under-19 players selected for the local franchise preparatory camp.

The Lodge Secondary School teacher was keen on making the opportunity count, since he believed it was a stepping stone for his promising cricket career.

“I was surprised to be picked actually, but the feeling is truly ecstatic,” Paul said of his initial reaction to the news. “After the draft and it was announced that Under-19 players will be part of the squad, I wasn’t even thinking that I would have been one of those players. I had no idea that I was going to be selected.”

Now that the 18-yearold had shared the same dressing room with his fellow countrymen, top players from the Region and leading international T20 stars, Paul said the experience will definitely be a memorable one.

“It’s indeed a boost of confidence and a once-ina-life time opportunity to know that I have rubbed shoulders and shared the same dressing room with some of the greatest local, regional and international stars,” Paul, who represented Guyana at the Under-15 level, concluded.

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