The Demerara Cricket Board’s drive to raise funds for youth and female cricket has gained another partner, with Mae’s Spartan becoming the sixth franchise confirmed for its November 22 T10 Tournament at the LBI Ground.
Formed through a partnership between D&R Construction and Machinery Rental and Mae’s School, the new franchise will compete in an eight-team event beginning at 10:00h. Matches will continue under lights, with admission set at $1,000.
The other confirmed franchises are Premier Insurance, Mike’s Tynor XI, Navin’s Construction Lusignan Bulls, Young Rivals and the Guyana Police Force.
Beyond raising funds, the competition’s squad rules provide opportunities for young players to feature alongside senior cricketers. Each 15-member squad must include two Under-19 players, with at least one required in the playing XI.
Franchises must also select at least 12 players from Demerara, while a maximum of three players may come from outside the county.
At a presentation ceremony on the lawns of Mae’s School, DCB Vice President Puneet Jaigopaul said the tournament is being organised primarily to support the continued development of youth and female cricket across Demerara.
He thanked the sponsors and highlighted the significance of Mae’s School’s involvement. According to the DCB, the arrangement marks the first time a school has entered a partnership to participate in a senior county cricket tournament.
Jaigopaul welcomed the move as a positive example that could lead to greater involvement by educational institutions in organised cricket.
D&R Construction and Machinery Rental owner David Sugrim expressed his delight at partnering with the school and securing a franchise. He pointed to the institution’s efforts to encourage students and the younger generation to participate in cricket and other sporting disciplines.
The DCB offered special recognition to Sugrim for his investment and confidence in the initiative, saying support of this kind helps create opportunities for young cricketers and sustain the game’s development.
The Board hopes Mae’s Spartan will encourage other schools and businesses to form similar partnerships. It sees the collaboration as an example of how education and the private sector can work together to support its long-term efforts to strengthen cricket at every level.
Discussion