In its quest to win a first regional Super50 title since 2005, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has opted for youth in the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament, slated for Trinidad and Tobago from November 19-29.
Following the conclusion of the Queensway Security Service Inc. Senior Super50 Inter-County Cup, which ended in a tie with home side Essequibo and 2024 champions Demerara sharing the title, the GCB on Monday evening released the squad, which features several newcomers.
Hard-hitting 16-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman Shamar Apple get his maiden senior call-up, while promising top-order batsmen Mavendra Dindyal and Raymond Perez, off-spinning all-rounder Zeynul Ramsammy, fast bowling all-rounder Thaddeus Lovell and fast bowler Sylus Tyndall are yet to debut for Guyana in senior 50-over cricket.
Opener Matthew Nandu, who led Demerara to an unbeaten run in the Inter-County, has been appointed captain, with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie his deputy.
The 14-member squad reads: Matthew Nandu (Captain), Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson, Mavendra Dindyal, Kemol Savory (Wicketkeeper), Richie Looknauth, Zeynul Ramsammy, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Gudakesh Motie (Vice-Captain), Thaddeus Lovell, Sylus Tyndall, Keemo Paul, Junior Sinclair, and Shamar Apple.
The reserves are: Kevin Sinclair, Antony Adams, Isai Thorne, Kevon Boodie, Tomanni Caesar, Romeo Deonarain and Joshua Jones.
GCB, in a statement, said: “Apple, who is just 16 years old, has been rewarded for his performances at regional Under-19 and Under-17 level and the selection panel feels his aggressive nature is something the team can benefit from.”
While the experienced duo Veerasammy Permaul and Tagenarine Chanderpaul have been overlooked, the GCB highlighted that Niall Smith (injured), Ashmead Nedd, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer and Quentin Sampson are all unavailable for selection as they are set to participate in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
Tevin Imlach, Harpy Eagles captain in the 2024 Super50, was not considered for selection as he is expected to represent the West Indies in the upcoming series against New Zealand, while talented all-rounder Jonathan Van Lange will be on West Indies Under-19 duties against England in a Youth ODI series from November 16 to December 1 in Grenada.
“The Queensway Super50 Inter-County Cup once again highlighted the depth of talent in Guyana, as the GCB continues its commitment to player development and regional competitiveness,” the GCB added.
The CG United Super50 rivalry returns with six regional squads squaring off at three venues across Trinidad- Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA), Queen’s Park Oval (QPO) and Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground (UWI SPEC).
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Windward Islands Volcanoes will all do battle for the top prize of US$100,000, with US$50,000 being awarded to the runner-up, while the third and fourth placed teams will each take home US$25,000.
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