Jaguars Franchise League 50-over starts December 22

By Avenash Ramzan

Guyana Jaguars’ preparations for next year’s West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Super50 will swing into gear next month with the staging of the second annual Jaguars Franchise League 50-over tournament, the premier competition from which the national team would be chosen.

According to Territorial Development Officer of the Guyana Cricket Board, Colin Stuart, the 50-over League is set for a December 22 bowl-off with three rounds this year, followed by the remaining rounds, a playoff and final in early January.

As was the case last year, when the competition was first held, eight franchises will compete for top honours, with the players eyeing places on the Guyana Jaguars squad.

Stuart, the former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler, told News Room Sport on Thursday that the first three rounds this year will be held on December 22, 23 and 30, while the remaining four rounds in the preliminary phase are scheduled for January 4, 7, 8 and 11.

Following the completion of that phase, the franchise with the most points will earn direct entry into the final on January 15. A playoff between the second and third placed teams after the preliminary rounds will be held on January 13 to determine the other finalist.

In the opening round, defending champions Lower Corentyne will take on East Bank Demerara/Upper Demerara; West Berbice will play East Coast Demerara; Essequibo will take on Georgetown; and Upper Corentyne will trade skills with West Demerara.

While the dates have been set, Stuart indicated that the Guyana Cricket Board is currently in the process of sourcing the venues and that should become known shortly.