International umpire Zahid Bassarath will join the officiating panel for the National Finals of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast on Sunday, October 11 at the Anna Regina National Stadium.
The 43-year-old Trinidadian, who has stood in two ODIs, 28 T20Is, and 138 T20 matches, along with extensive regional experience, has donated his services for the showpiece event.
He will be supported by seasoned Guyanese umpires Chandraban Rajnarine and Javed Persaud, along with Yogeshwar Lall.
Organised by FL Sport, the final phase will feature TV reviews for line decisions, including run-outs and stumpings.
Tournament Director John Ramsingh welcomed Bassarath’s involvement, highlighting the competition’s growing regional stature in its fifth year.
“Having an umpire of Zahid’s quality adds tremendous value to the tournament as we conclude our fourth year,” Ramsingh said. “He and many mainstream cricket aficionados have been following the tournament’s growing popularity across the region and wanted to come on board to support its development.”
Bassarath expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the grassroots game in the region. “I am delighted to support grassroots cricket development in Guyana and contribute to a tournament that is doing so much to give a spotlight to talent,” Bassarath said.
On Monday, October 12, Bassarath will hold an interactive session with active and aspiring umpires in Essequibo, aligning with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s foundational push to revive the national school cricket programme.
The blockbuster Oct. 11 finals day in Essequibo begins at 14:30h local time with the first semi-final between GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars and Mahdia (Movements Family), followed by the second semi-final at 16:30h featuring Lusignan Bulls DTP II against the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone champion, who will be crowned on Oct. 4.
Following an exhibition match, the grand finale will bowl off at 19:30h.
At stake is a top prize of GYD $2 million for the national champions, while the runners-up will pocket GYD $1 million and the losing semi-finalists take home GYD $500,000 each, adding to the GYD $500,000 already collected by the zone winners.
Individual accolades sponsored by Regal Super Centre include a brand-new motorbike and GYD $150,000 for the Most Valuable Player, GYD $100,000 plus a television each for the top run-scorer and leading wicket-taker, GYD $75,000 for the Player of the Final, and GYD $50,000 each for the tournament’s Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate awards.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
