Arjune backs Windies Masters

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Former Guyana opening batsman Krishna Arjune believes the West Indies have a strong chance of winning the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup, which Guyana will host from October 17-31.

Arjune said the squad appears well balanced, and the presence of several former West Indies players has strengthened his belief that the regional side can lift the title.

“I like the side, especially with so many established players in the squad; glad to see Ramnaresh Sarwan, who had done well for both Guyana and West Indies,” said Arjune, who played 40 first-class matches.

“These guys will bring a lot of experience, and that will be important.”

West Indies will be captained by former multi-format player Denesh Ramdin, and Arjune expects him to lead from the front.

“He was an excellent captain for his country, Trinidad and Tobago, and the West Indies, so with a good all-round squad, I know he will lead from the front,” Arjune declared.

The West Indies will open their campaign against Australia at the National Stadium in Providence. They have been drawn in Group A alongside Wales, Canada, Colombia, Namibia, Sri Lanka and reigning champions South Africa.

Group B comprises New Zealand, Scotland, Pakistan, the United States, India, England, Rest of the World XI and Rest of the Caribbean XI.

Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Mohammed, Rayad Emrit and Devendra Bishoo are among the other members of the West Indies squad who have represented the region in both Test and limited-overs formats.

Arjune added that the regional side must make full use of home advantage.

“Yes, this is a big way for them to utilise home conditions, and that is a huge plus for West Indies as well,” he said.

“I understand they will play matches across Guyana, so that is even better because most of the guys played enough cricket in Guyana to know these conditions.”

In addition to Providence, matches will be played at Albion, Bourda, Malteenoes, Police Sports Club, Eve Leary, Anna Regina Stadium, Joe Jagmohan Hampton Court, Enmore and Lusignan.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for the National Stadium in Providence.

The second edition of the tournament is being staged by IMC in collaboration with the Cricket West Indies Masters Association. South Africa are the defending champions after defeating New Zealand in the 2024 final in Cape Town.