Guyana Harpy Eagles depart with eye on fourth straight Four-Day title

The Guyana Harpy Eagles departed on Thursday for Antigua and Barbuda to compete in the revamped Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day Championship.

They will be on the hunt for a fourth straight title and ninth since the commencement of the Professional Cricket League in 2014.

From the 2014/2015 to the 2018/19 season, the then Guyana Jaguars won five titles on the trot.

Only Barbados Pride, who won titles during the COVID-19 period in 2020 and 2022, have won the championship outside the Eagles in the PCL era.

There was no championship in 2021 and since 2023, the Guyana Harpy Eagles have held the Four-Day title.

Before the squad’s departure, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh met with the players to offer a final charge, emphasising that “consistency, not flashes of brilliance” would be the key to retaining their crown.

Addressing the 13-man squad, President Singh underscored the weight of representing the nation.

According to a GCB press release, “the squad, which was submitted by the Ramnaresh Sarwan-led Selection Panel, received unanimous approval from the full.”

“You are not just representing yourselves—you are representing an entire nation that believes in your ability,” Singh told the players.

“As defending champions, you must expect every opponent to come hard at you—that is the true test of a champion. If you remain focused and committed, there is every reason why this title should stay right here in Guyana.”

The Harpy Eagles will be led by Tevin Imlach, with opener Matthew Nandu serving as his deputy.

Despite some concerns regarding the batting following the two local practice matches, Head Coach Ryan Hercules remained steadfast in his belief in the squad’s depth and ability.

Captain Imlach echoed this sentiment, noting that the team is “mentally ready” for the challenge ahead.

“We understand how we want to play four-day cricket, and that’s what we’ll focus on,” Imlach stated.

Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Matthew Nandu (vice-captain), Kevlon Anderson, Tevin Imlach (captain/wicketkeeper), Kemol Savory, Keemo Paul, Richie Looknauth, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Isai Thorne, Nial Smith, Raymond Perez,  Zeynul Ramsammy

Management: Ryan Hercules (Head Coach), Garvin Nedd (Assistant Coach), Surendra Hiralal (Manager), Angelica Holder (Physiotherapist)

Speedster Shamar Joseph is expected to join the squad from the second round as he continues his CWI workload management programme.

The upcoming Regional Championship is expected to be a critical build-up as West Indies host Sri Lanka for two Tests in June.

The winners of each bilateral contest will be ranked 1st through 3rd based on total points accumulated, with the top-ranked team advancing directly to the Grand Final.

During the Playoff round, the first-placed team will take on the West Indies Academy to maintain match readiness and ensure fairness in preparation ahead of the final.

The second and third-ranked teams will meet in a Playoff match to determine the second finalist.

Harpy Eagles Fixtures:

Round 1: April 12-15, 2026- Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Guyana Harpy Eagles – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

Round 2: April 19- 22, 2026- Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Guyana Harpy Eagles – Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua

Round 3: April 26-29, 2026- Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Guyana Harpy Eagles – Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua

Playoff Round: (May 10-13)

• 2nd Place vs 3rd Place @ Antigua
• 1st Place vs West Indies Academy @ Antigua

Grand Final: (May 17-20)

• 1st Place vs Playoff Winner @ Antigua