High-performance programme opens for elite players
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Cricket officials started a long-term, high-performance programme for Guyana’s senior elite players yesterday aimed at halting the slide of the national team in regional competitions.
Guyana have performed miserably in the last three years, particularly in the West Indies first-class championship, including a sixth-placed finish out of seven teams this season.
The Guyana Cricket Board in collaboration with the management of the Guyana National Stadium will stage the Elite Commitment programme from Monday to Friday every week until the start of the Twenty20 World Cup — a leg of which will be held in the country.
The programme is scheduled to continue just after T20 World Cup and all active national cricketers have been invited to participate.
Robin Singh, the coordinator of the programme, indicated the scheme was intended to hone all areas of the player’s skills — batting, bowling, fielding, and mental toughness.
He stressed that everyone working or attending this programme will be demonstrating their personal commitment to cricket.
The GCB will provide balls and high-performance analysts, while Tony Xavier, manager of the Guyana National Stadium, will provide the venue and the time of his staff.
Singh disclosed that national coach and former Guyana batsman Ravindra Seeram has committed to everyday participation.
West Indies batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, and Sewnarine Chattergoon, as well as national players Assad Fudadin, Veerasammy Permaul, Davendra Bishoo, Trevon Garraway, Lennox Cush, Said Drepaul, Rayon Griffith, Gajanand Singh, Ryan Ramdass, Leon Johnson, and Vishaul Singh have already confirmed their participation.
Other Guyana cricketers are expected to join the programme upon their return from overseas playing commitments.
Additional coaching assistance will be provided by the GCB’s cricket development officer Reon King, the former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler, as well as chairman of the West Indies selection panel Clyde Butts, the former Guyana captain and West Indies off-spinner.
