New Anna Regina Stadium opens in style with Lara-Chanderpaul showdown
Key Points(5)
- Guyana's newest sporting landmark will officially come to life Friday evening as cricket greats Brian Lara and Shiv Chanderpaul captain opposing teams in a high-profile Twenty20 exhibition marking the grand opening of the state-of-the-art Anna Regina Stadium.
- The much-anticipated event promises far more than an exhibition match.
- It will blend cricketing excellence, national celebration, and regional pride as past and present stars gather to christen what is now regarded as the most modern sporting facility in Guyana's largest county.
- From community ground to modern sporting landmark The stadium represents the dramatic transformation of the former Anna Regina Community Center Ground, a venue that first staged an Inter-County fixture between Demerara and Essequibo in 2007.
- Following extensive redevelopment that began in late November 2022, the facility has emerged as a centerpiece of the government's investment in sports infrastructure, funded through Guyana's G$10.9 billion sports budget.
Guyana's newest sporting landmark will officially come to life Friday evening as cricket greats Brian Lara and Shiv Chanderpaul captain opposing teams in a high-profile Twenty20 exhibition marking the grand opening of the state-of-the-art Anna Regina Stadium.
The much-anticipated event promises far more than an exhibition match. It will blend cricketing excellence, national celebration, and regional pride as past and present stars gather to christen what is now regarded as the most modern sporting facility in Guyana's largest county.
From community ground to modern sporting landmark
The stadium represents the dramatic transformation of the former Anna Regina Community Center Ground, a venue that first staged an Inter-County fixture between Demerara and Essequibo in 2007.
Following extensive redevelopment that began in late November 2022, the facility has emerged as a centerpiece of the government's investment in sports infrastructure, funded through Guyana's G$10.9 billion sports budget.
The opening ceremony is expected to showcase the venue with considerable pageantry before attention shifts to the floodlit contest.
Political leaders join cricket royalty
The celebratory match will feature an unusual blend of sporting legends and political leaders.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, an avid cricket enthusiast, is set to take the field for Lara's XI alongside former Guyana first-class bowling all-rounder and government minister Steven Jacobs.
Across the field, Chanderpaul's XI will include Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., the former Everest left-arm spinner, adding another familiar cricketing face to the occasion.
President Ali is also expected to entertain spectators with the bat under the stadium lights, adding another layer of excitement to the historic evening.
Established stars meet the next generation
The exhibition has been designed to celebrate Guyana's rich cricketing tradition by bringing together multiple generations of talent.
Leading the current crop of players will be Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Quentin Sampson, Kevlon Anderson, Jonathan Van Lange, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory, Richie Looknauth, Kevin Sinclair, and Thaddeus Lovell.
Sharing the spotlight will be several former national standouts eager to demonstrate they remain capable of producing memorable performances. Chris Barnwell, Assad Fudadin, Anthony Bramble, Norwayne Fredericks, Kevon Boodie, Ricardo Adams, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Leon Johnson, Delon Heyliger, Jonathan Foo, Devendra Bishoo, and Royston Crandon will all return to the field, hoping to prove there is still plenty of "gas left in the tank."
More than a match
Beyond the entertainment, Friday's event symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter for cricket on the Essequibo Coast.
With two of the greatest batsmen in West Indies history leading the celebrations, an impressive cast of former and current Guyanese players on display, and a modern venue ready to serve future generations, the inauguration of Anna Regina Stadium is expected to stand as one of the country's most significant sporting occasions in recent years.
The evening promises to celebrate Guyana's cricketing heritage while unveiling a facility designed to inspire the next generation of players and supporters alike.
