In Memory Of Jimmy Maharaj
By Sam Sooppersaud
The Indo-Caribbean Federation proudly presents its Annual Cricket Match on Saturday, August 2nd, 2014, commencing at 11:00 a.m., at the Baisley Park Cricket Field, Baisley and Rockaway Boulevards, Queens, New York.
The game will be played in the memory of the late Jimmy Maharaj.
The game is dedicated to the memory of former businessman and avid cricketer, Jimmy Maharaj. This annual affair started twenty-four ago, with a squad representing Guyana playing a squad representing Trinidad & Tobago. Jimmy captained T&T in the inaugural match. He was always an exciting individual, on and off the cricket field. Always ready to impart some advice to his friends.
Jimmy spent more than two decades in the game, playing, administering, sponsoring, and when not directly involved in a game, he was a spectator cheering his favorite team onward. The ICF salutes a true cricket lover, posthumously.
This year’s edition of the ICF game will feature a squad representing Guyana with the opposing squad selected from among the Rest of the Caribbean. Skippering the squads would be Karan Ganesh for Guyana and Glen Lorrick for the Caribbean Combined Xl.
In the past year the ICF has honored several cricket personalities of fame. They include, among others, former West Indies Test players Leonard Baichan and Ranji Nanan. Last year’s honoree was Guyana born West Indies cricketer commentator and journalist, “Reds” Perreira. This year’s cricket honoree, Faoud Bacchus, former Guyana and West Indies player would not be able to be present due to a previous commitment. An award would be made at a future time. Educator and journalist, Sam Sooppersaud would receive an award for his contribution to the work of the Indo-Caribbean Federation.
This Twenty20 format of cricket will showcase some exciting young talents from the New York area in addition to some experienced former Guyana and Trinidad National players. Public Schools Athletic League’s Derrick Narine, an all-rounder from John Adams High School is included in the Guyana contingent. During the 2014 PSAL cricket season he scored over 1000 runs and took in excess of 20 wickets. I have seen him in several games. He is a bowler’s nightmare.
USA National player, Karan Ganesh, former Guyana National players, Vijay Seonarine and speedster, Kevin Darlington, playing for Guyana, and the experienced Glen Lorrick and former T & T National all-rounder, David Mohammed, would add to this cricket extravaganza.
Our contributor Sam Sooppersaud will be honored.
The ICF has added to this year’s festivities a half time recess, a few local singers will be rendering their favorite tunes. Dancers from the David Ali Dancing Academy would give the fans a treat with some latest Bollywood dance moves. These are some of the artists who performed at the ICF Talent Show at Smokey Park, in May of this year. The president of the organization, Ralph Tamesh, would give a short address.
Write this date down on your calendar- August 2nd- a day of fun for the entire family. There would be plenty of food and refreshments for everyone. In addition you would enjoy some exciting Twenty20 cricket.
Umpires for the game are Steve Kalloo and Ashook Brijcoomar. Sam Sooppersaud is the Match Referee and a game facilitator. Commentators Lenny Achaibar and Carl Bennett would be on hand to call the ball by ball play.
For further information, you may call Ralph Tamesh or Son Son at (516) 852-1459 and Shamin Ali or Robert Mohamed at (917) 623-6475. Of course you may contact this writer at (718) 844-7236 or through e-mail at [email protected].
