More bilateral youth tournaments needed, following fruitful Guyana/Barbados U-13 40-Over series 

Dec 24, 2025 Sports

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Kaieteur Sports – Guyana and Barbados recently pulled off hosting a successful Under-13 40-Over series, with a number of strong personal performances coming off the heels of some of the Caribbean’s brightest young prospects; further opening the door for similar tournaments to be played among the other West Indies territories.

In recent times the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) have pushed to keep grassroots development at the forefront of the local cricket scene, following up a successful Trinidad & Tobago youth series a few months later with the recently concluded bilateral series hosted across a few venues.

The recent commitment by both the GCB and the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), has opened the door to endless possibilities, as it relates solely to the two nations working side-by-side in order to help create a newer, more competitive atmosphere for the Under-13 lads from across the region.

Guyana losing the upper-hand after dropping the series 3-2 following a 2-0 start, was a credit to Barbados’ all-round talent and belief in themselves to battle their way back into a position of control.

With the concept of such bilateral tournaments being based on promoting young talent from across the Caribbean in a highly-competitive series, has managed to shine a spotlight on a number of future prospects from both Guyana and Barbados; who will no doubt become ambassadors for their respective countries and possibly the West Indies.

Although the recent series was likely the first of many between the two cricket-rich nations, one huge excerpt is the hint dropped by the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president Calvin Hope following the end of the series at the Everest Ground.

Hope during his post-final speech said that the initiative was a brilliant way to help nurture and develop the respective young cricketers, who all have one end goal, which is to one day represent the respective country they may have come from; at the highest levels of West Indies cricket.

As part of his speech, Hope said that he was hopeful that should a return series happen, it could very well take place on Bajan soil.

An away rematch series between the two sides could be interesting; given how crucial the situation became for Barbados who were forced to quickly adjust in time to clinch the series.

Playing over at the Bajans’ turf could be ideal for the development of the young Guyanese players; who seemed primed for big things going forward.

Much could be extracted from the series, but one huge takeaway is the number of extras recorded by both teams.

Between the two sides, a total of 263 extra runs were recorded following the end of the 5 matches played, with the leading bowler Kjanni Inniss claiming just 7 victims to bag the Most Wickets award.

Second and third places respectively, went to Guyanese spinners Jaden Ganpat and all-rounder /captain Sahid Gajnabi with 5 wickets apiece; further telling the tale of how bowlers regardless of style, class or team, struggled to make an impact with the ball. Given the immense talent both teams possess with the ball, it is likely that the young bowlers will iron out their kinks as they continue to develop their skills.

On the other hand, the batters had a decent series, as a few players got starts despite no player making a hundred; the intent was clear as the majority of the youngsters looked positive in their approach; a great sign for both teams after seemingly struggling with the ball.

Barbados again led the charts with the bat as  Natarie Lavine missed out on clipping the 200-run mark as he finished with 170 runs from the 5 games played. Only Guyanese opener Lomar Seecharran, with 161 runs and two fifties managed to cross the 100-run milestone with Bajan all-rounder Kymani Inniss (103 runs) the only other player to register a 100 or more runs from the series.

With the scales basically matched in terms of talent and performance, both units should they meet again, will likely put on a more competitive series as a number of positives were taken by both Guyana and Barbados.

Also, should another bilateral meeting take place between these two teams, the possibility of Guyana winging out to seek revenge would further promote more inter-Caribbean/region youth competitions and series; which could help forge a newer chapter in the regional book of cricket, for the foreseeable future.

As such, should the other territories become involved with the current model, Guyana seems to be perfecting in hosting such tournaments, it is possible that more and more inter-Caribbean youth competitions could be hosted; as countries seek to unearth future stars from an early age who will one day represent their country and by extension; the West Indies. (Clifton Ross)

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• Barbados, Barbados Cricket Association, GCB, Guyana

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