By Ravendra Madholall
Cricketing aficionados have admired the trajectory of left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul over the years in regional four-day cricket.
His brief appearance on the international scene might have captured unfamiliar cricketing audience as well with his bowling fascination.
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the 33-year-old Guyanese bowler wrote his name in the history book waltzing his way to the all-time leading wicket-taker in this annual tournament under the auspices of Cricket West Indies.
How is that? He got him, he now accumulated 512 wickets surpassing the previous best record-holder Jamaican Nikita Miller, who with identical bowling action.
Permaul was in operation for Guyana Harpy Eagles against perennial rivals Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago.
It is the third-round match, his first-innings spell of 3-26 from 14 decent overs again manifested his extraordinary effort whenever he is in representation for his native country.
In 2007 at the Cricket West Indies regional under-19 three-day tournament in St. Kitts and Nevis, Permaul helped Guyana to the championship under the leadership of first-class batsman Steven Jacobs. They saw him as a talented bowler and was destined to the highest level and great things. He lived up to the expectations despite featuring in only nine tests, seven one-day internationals and a solitary T20.
Incredibly, the Berbician has done the amazing job for Guyana from 132 first-class games. He had played pivotal roles too when Guyana Jaguars had emerged champion on five consecutive occasions ranging from 2014-2018 before they were dethroned by Barbados Pride.
For Permaul, this remarkable achievement is about true hard-work, commitment and incessantly loyal endeavors for his country.
Fittingly, the accomplishment was done at the Lara Academy. According to Permaul, his biggest wicket in first-class cricket was the iconic West Indian batsman Brian Lara. He got Lara at the Queen’s Park Oval, during Lara’s final playing days, 2007/2008.
Permaul also revealed at a special interview that he will continue to give 110 percent for his country so cricket fans can comprehend the level of dynamism and determination he has plied his trade with in his 17-year career so far. Needless to say he is passionate and never shows reluctance to spin web around batsmen across the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Guyana Harpy Eagles are dominating in this year’s tournament. They were the points’ leader by the conclusion of the two rounds. Permaul is mesmerizing batsmen again in this year’s edition. Well bowled VP who is affectionately called “Gonnas”.