Arjune sees title potential in strong Windies Masters squad
Key Points(5)
- Former Guyana opening batsman Krishna Arjune believes a blend of experience and familiarity with local conditions gives the West Indies a strong platform to challenge for the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup title in Guyana from October 17-31.
- Arjune, who played 40 first-class matches, has been encouraged by the composition of the regional squad, particularly the number of former West Indies internationals included.
- “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,” Arjune said.
- “These guys will bring a lot of experience, and that will be important.” Ramdin leadership key Former West Indies multi-format player Denesh Ramdin will captain the side, and Arjune expects the former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies leader to have a major influence on the campaign.
- “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 said.
Former Guyana opening batsman Krishna Arjune believes a blend of experience and familiarity with local conditions gives the West Indies a strong platform to challenge for the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup title in Guyana from October 17-31.
Arjune, who played 40 first-class matches, has been encouraged by the composition of the regional squad, particularly the number of former West Indies internationals included.
“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,” Arjune said.
“These guys will bring a lot of experience, and that will be important.”
Ramdin leadership key
Former West Indies multi-format player Denesh Ramdin will captain the side, and Arjune expects the former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies leader to have a major influence on the campaign.
“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 said.
Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Mohammed, Rayad Emrit and Devendra Bishoo are among the other members of the squad with international experience in both Test and limited-overs cricket.
Home conditions a major advantage
Arjune believes playing in familiar surroundings could prove particularly valuable, with the tournament spread across several venues in Guyana.
“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.”
The tournament will use nine venues: the National Stadium in Providence, Albion, Bourda, Malteenoes, Police Sports Club, Eve Leary, Anna Regina Stadium, Joe Jagmohan Hampton Court, Enmore and Lusignan.
Australia first up
West Indies will begin their campaign against Australia at the National Stadium in Providence and have been placed in Group A alongside Wales, Canada, Colombia, Namibia, Sri Lanka and defending champions South Africa.
Group B features New Zealand, Scotland, Pakistan, the United States, India, England, Rest of the World XI and Rest of the Caribbean XI.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals, with the championship match set for Providence.
South Africa defend title
The tournament is being staged for the second time by IMC in collaboration with the Cricket West Indies Masters Association.
South Africa enter as defending champions after defeating New Zealand in the 2024 final in Cape Town.
For Arjune, the combination of experienced players, strong leadership and familiarity with Guyana’s conditions gives the West Indies reason to approach the tournament with confidence.
