By Brandon Corlette
Cricket is set for a grand return to Guyana when West Indies take on a strong Pakistan outfit on Saturday, July 31; Sunday, August 1 and Tuesday, August 3 at the National Stadium at Providence. A total of 40 per cent capacity fully-vaccinated fans are allowed in the Stadium, and the sales of tickets has been positive.
In the Ancient County of Berbice, tickets are selling like hot cakes at Imran and Son, Rose Hall Town. This daily publication visited the location and spoke to the owner, Imran Hamid and some of the excited fans who booked their ticket to the Stadium.
When it comes to cricket, Berbicians secure a special place in their hearts for this lovely game. Hamid noted that the return of cricket has brightened the spirits of Berbicians. “Tickets selling like hot cakes since morning. Since COVID, people had nowhere to go, so the cricket has brightened the spirit.”
Ticket sales began at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) office on Wednesday, but ticket sales commenced in Berbice on Thursday morning. When asked what was the reason for the delay, Hamid said: “I think they don’t want the tickets to be duplicated, there was something in printing, so we had the tickets Wednesday night.”
He also disclosed that cricket fans from New York have already made their reservations and they are heading to Guyana on special flights just to watch the cricket at Providence. “People calling from New York for tickets, this morning a man send a representative to buy 20 tickets and he is coming in from a flight on Friday (today),” Hamid explained.
Meanwhile, excited Berbice fans are eager to see a high-quality contest between the star-studded West Indies team and the skilful Pakistan team. Ryan Tulsie said he was excited to take his family after he purchased four tickets. “I am very excited, especially to take my family, the two little boys who have not experienced cricket, so I am taking them to see how Gayle, Pollard and Simmons will hit the ball.”
Another fan said he was confident of West Indies winning, but he noted that T20 cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty. The first T20 International match between West Indies and Pakistan ended in no result with rain playing spoilsport in Barbados. The two teams will play the final three matches of the series in Guyana.
For fans to get a ticket and gain access to the Stadium, they must adhere to the COVID-19 protocols. The ticket office location is at the main entrance to the Guyana National Stadium and Health Ministry officials will be on hand to validate vaccination documentation and check tickets and ID.
Fans will need to present their ID, cricket ticket and vaccination documentation to be allowed entry. Fans will need to wear face masks at all times and social distance in the stadium. Fans will be accommodated in all stands, but will not be admitted to the grass mound. No re-entry is allowed if fans leave the venue. Under-18s will not be allowed entry.
Fans will be able to purchase tickets for themselves, friends and family members. Tickets will be available from 09:00h to 17:00h (9:00am to 5:00pm) on non-match days and 07:00h to 11:00h (7:00am to 11:00am) on match days at the three venues across Guyana.
Additionally, with vendors not available in the stadium, fans will be allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. The following list of restrictions must be adhered to for entry into the ground on match day: Fans can bring in coolers of a size that can fit under their seat (12x12x12). Any ice in coolers must remain bagged to allow security inspection of coolers. Glass bottles of any kind are not allowed. Alcohol of any kind is not allowed. No knives, sharp metal objects, or firearms. (GTimes)