Denesh Ramdin’s West Indies Masters will open their International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup campaign against Australia at the National Stadium, Providence, today, leading a programme of four matches starting at 09:30hrs.
The opening fixtures follow last evening’s official ceremony at the same venue, where 15 competing teams received a welcome combining Guyanese culture and hospitality.
Admission to tournament matches is free, with supporters able to choose from four venues across Demerara on the opening day.
South Africa begin their title defence against Canada at the Georgetown Cricket Club. England meet the United States at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, while Pakistan take on Rest of the Caribbean at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.
West Indies enter the competition with considerable experience. Ramdin, a former West Indies captain, leads a squad featuring another former regional captain in Ramnaresh Sarwan, alongside Devendra Bishoo, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Narsingh Deonarine and Hemnarine Chattergoon.
Their backgrounds across international, Guyana and Berbice cricket give the home side a strong core as they pursue the title in front of local supporters.
The tournament will feature 59 matches over the next two weeks, following Sri Lanka’s late withdrawal because of visa and travel complications. Organisers had originally planned a 16-team competition comprising 72 games.
Under the revised format, all 15 teams have six league fixtures, with matches played over 45 overs per side. There are no fixed zones, and overall standings will determine the semifinal and placement match-ups.
Away from the immediate contest, yesterday’s opening ceremony also brought support for another potential global tournament in Guyana.
President Irfaan Ali pledged to support the Cricket West Indies Masters Association’s (CWIMA) bid to host the IMC T20 World Cup in 2027 while welcoming the visiting teams.
Ali, who is patron of the current World Cup, congratulated CWIMA President Raj Singh, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, and the Local Organising Committee on their preparations.
The President and IMC Chairman Stirling Hamman then performed a ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open the competition. Both addressed the gathering, along with Singh and Jacobs.
Jacobs welcomed the players and said the inclusion of former internationals in several teams should help produce competitive cricket. He also recognised the achievement of the players in representing their countries.
The ceremony unfolded in cool conditions and a relaxed atmosphere before the start of competition, giving players, supporters and stakeholders an opportunity to share in the host country’s hospitality.
CWIMA is staging the Over-40s World Cup in the Caribbean for the first time, with the expanded field bringing together teams from across the cricketing world.
The participating sides are West Indies, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Namibia, Colombia, Wales, India, Pakistan, England, New Zealand, the United States, Scotland, Rest of the Caribbean and Rest of the World.
Ten grounds across Guyana’s three counties will host matches. Albion is the Berbice venue, while Essequibo fixtures will be played at the Anna Regina National Stadium and Joe Jagmohan Ground.
The competition returns to Providence for the final on Saturday, October 31.
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