Guyana to host IMC Over-40s Masters World Cup; experienced squad named

Apr 07, 2026 Sports

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– Veteran firepower meets Guyanese conditions 

Kaieteur Sports – Guyana is set to take center stage in international masters’ cricket when it hosts the Over-40s Masters Cricket World Cup from October 17 to 31, 2026. Matches will be played at first-class venues across the country, marking a major milestone for masters’ cricket in the region.

Since securing the hosting rights in November 2025, the Cricket West Indies Masters Association has moved quickly to establish a robust planning framework. Up to 16 nations are expected to compete, including major Test-playing countries such as Australia, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, alongside hosts West Indies.

Manager Daniel Sadeo has announced a 29-man provisional squad designed to take full advantage of home conditions. The group combines former international players with proven regional performers, reflecting a clear strategy centered on experience, spin bowling, and local knowledge.

A major strength of the squad is its tournament pedigree. Several players were part of the West Indies side that reached the final of the previous Masters Global Cup in Pakistan. Among the standout performers were Lawrence Farnum, the team’s leading run-scorer, Narsingh Deonarine and Randy Thomas, both of whom earned selection in the Team of the Tournament, with Thomas also recognized as the competition’s top wicketkeeper. Devi Maharaj, one of only three West Indian centurions in the event, and all-rounder Devon Clements also add significant depth and pedigree.

Spin bowling is expected to be the squad’s primary weapon. Former West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo headlines a formidable spin attack that also includes Neil McGarrell, Sunil Dhaniram, Antonnel Atwell, Rakesh Maharaj, and Deonarine. Additional variety comes from Imran Khan of Guyana and Imran Khan of Trinidad & Tobago, giving the selectors multiple slow-bowling options capable of exploiting Guyana’s traditionally low, turning pitches.

The batting unit is equally experienced, led by former internationals Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Sunil Dhaniram and Lendl Simmons. Former West Indies wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin and Rayad Emrit add further stability with both bat, ball and gloves.

Beyond its frontline names, the provisional squad offers useful all-round depth. Players such as Larry Babb, Rudy Hinds, and Trevon Garraway provide seam-bowling support, while additional batting and spin resources give selectors flexibility as they work toward a final squad of 16 to 18 players.

There are, however, a few obvious questions around balance. The pace attack appears relatively thin, which could become an issue on surfaces offering bounce or carry. Fielding and overall mobility may also be tested, particularly against younger and more athletic opposition capable of turning ones into twos and applying pressure in the field. There is also a heavy reliance on spin, which could become a weakness if conditions do not favor turn, especially on flatter pitches such as those sometimes seen at Providence Stadium.

On traditional Guyanese wickets, the hosts are expected to be highly competitive. Bowlers such as Bishoo, Imran Khan, Maharaj, McGarrell, and Deonarine could play a decisive role in controlling the tempo of matches and making West Indies a dangerous team on home soil.

Sadeo is confident the squad has been selected with the right balance in mind.

“We’ve selected experience with a plan. Guyana rewards discipline and spin; we have that in abundance. Fitness will be managed, but cricket IQ is paramount. This squad knows how to win on these tracks.”

Much may depend on the form of Sarwan, whose experience and technical quality could prove crucial, especially if the tournament is played on slow, demanding surfaces.

Overall, the squad appears well-suited to local conditions and capable of mounting a serious challenge. Whether West Indies can go all the way may depend on how the pitches play, but on spin-friendly tracks, they should be among the teams to beat.

Provisional Squad:

Denesh Ramdin, Narsingh Deonarine, Rayad Emrit, Devendra Bishoo, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Antonnel Atwell, Lawrence Farnum, Larry Babb, Devon Clements, Sunil Dhaniram, Lendl Simmons, Shazam Ramjohn, Reno Mittleholtzer, Dale Richards, Imran Khan (Guyana), Neil McGarrell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devi Maharaj, Asif Chan, Randy Thomas, Imran Khan (Trinidad & Tobago), Vic Mahabeer, Randy Ramanan, Ryan Nurse, Rakesh Maharaj, Jieunick Mingo, Rudy Hinds, Trevon Garraway.

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• Denesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons, Masters World Cup, Narsingh Deonarine, Ramnaresh Sarwan

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