Thirtieth Annual ICF Trophy Games

By Sam Sooppersaud
Cricket fans, you are in for a treat this coming Saturday, September 26, 2020. It will be a double whammy. Thanks to the hard work of Mr. Ralph Tamesh, President, and members of the Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF), all arrangements for the playoff of the 30th Annual ICF Trophy Games has been finalized. These games have entertained cricket fans for 29 years by showcasing the most skilled cricketers’ talent in the New York Metropolitan area. Based on the roster of players selected for the teams, there is no doubt that yet another day of exciting cricket awaits all of us, cricket crazy fans.

The ICF released the following statement –
The Indo-Caribbean Federation proudly presents its 30th Annual Cricket Match in honor of the Late Jasmattie Oree and Shereen Ramotar, the mother and daughter duo who selflessly served the Federation as volunteers over the past 20 years and also the mother and sister of Ralph Tamesh. This year’s annual ICF event is all set for Saturday, September 26, 2020, at the Idlewild Cricket Oval, 223rd Street, and 147th Avenue, Rosedale, NY.

The Senior Game will be preceded by an Under-25 contest, featuring the best up and coming cricket talent. This Under-25 game will start at 9:00. AM with the senior game starting at 1:00 PM. the senior game will feature the more accomplished cricketers in New York City. Both matches will be of the T20 format of the game. The teams were selected based solely on individual player performances.

The Indo-Caribbean Federation (ICF) was founded in 1984, with the primary purpose of assisting new immigrants from Guyana. Later it took on the task of working with immigrants from the entire Caribbean. The Foundation later expanded its outreach to providing support to families and victims of disasters. It has executed several charitable initiatives with various charities in the USA and Guyana, and other West Indian countries. The ICF has evolved from a purely cultural organization to a social as well as a charitable one.

Numerous personalities have been recognized publicly at the annual Trophy Games for their contribution in their respective fields. Former West Indies first-class and Test cricketers including Sew Shivnarine, Leonard Baichan, Milton Pydanna, and Raphick Jumadeen. Last year, Joe Solomon, who some seven decades ago was responsible for the first-ever tied Test match in history, was honored. Other honorees include sports commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira, cricket journalists John Aaron and Sam Sooppersaud, marathon runner Seu Etwaroo, and singer Evelyn Morgan. The Federation has similarly recognized numerous others over the past 30 years.

Young people are the ones who will dictate the trend of future accomplishments or failures. They must be given enough opportunity to put their ideas into practice to mold bolster their self-confidence. The Indo Caribbean Federation believes firmly in this theory and has therefore, in these games, given the opportunity to three young men to be in the capacity of leadership. They will captain their respective teams. It is the hope that these young leaders will bring their youthful exuberance and enthusiasm into the games that will assure that the cricket fans will be treated to two scintillating and competitive T20 cricket. In the Under 25 match, the Skipper of the Guyana team is Leon Mohabir while at the helm of the Caribbean team will be Joel Boodhoo. Both youths are still in their teens and have demonstrated very good potential on the cricket field, in their ability to play the game and to lead. In the Senior match, Guyana will be captained by Hemendra Ramdihal. Though not as young as the two teenagers, he is still a young man who has played in the senior league around New York City for many years. His knowledge of the game is sound, as well as his all-round performance. We all wish these young men well!

In a message commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Cricket Trophy Games, ICF President Ralph Tamesh said, “We as West Indians should have pride in our accomplishments. We have battled many adversities and triumphed. No matter what obstacles we face, they do not hold us down. We provide for our future generations with valor. We hold a unique and rich set of morals and values that have kept us in expectation of high standards. I hope that we continue to do this to make even more positive changes in the world today.”

So cricket fans, don’t get left out!. Bring the entire family out for a day of fun. There will be plenty to eat and drink, compliments of the ICF. Local singers and dancers will entertain during the half-time activities.

Looking forward to seeing you, your friends, and family at Idlewild Cricket Oval this Saturday, September 26, game time is 9 am.

Here is a list of the teams and players:
UNDER-25 TEAMS
Guyana
Leon Mohabir (Capt.)
Chetram Persaud (Vice-Capt)
Michael Sultan
Matthew Lutchena
Keran Krishna
Ryan Ramnarine
Moien Khan
Jason Rooney
Ridwan Ranjohn
Robin Rooplall
Naresh Rambharos
Jamiel Jackman
Dinesh Balgobin
Yudesh Bissnauth (Coach)
JZ Mohamed (Manager)

Caribbean Invitation
Joel Boodhoo (Capt.)
Hamza Rana (Vice Captain)
Roberto Simpson
Zahib Tariq
Burhan Saeed
Mahendra Parsram
Umer Shazad
Jarif Akif
Enatul Abedin
Alix Husain
Sachin Persaud
Chanderpaul Rampersaud
Sayed Haider
Julian Moore (Coach)
Sharma Sukhdeo (Manager)

SENIOR TEAM
Caribbean Invitation
Renwick Batson (Capt.)
Rahman Khan
Dino Chowenaam
Marinaro Dixon
Charlton Senior
Yannick Elliot
Damion Jacobs
Wakas Ali
Francis Mendonca
Bereston Reid
Gavan Brown
Kemar Marshall
Reynard Leveridge
Naem Arif (Manager/Coach)

Guyana Select XI
Hemendra Ramdihal (Captain)
Wasim Haslim
Amarnauth Persaud
Nicolas Chinkoo
Andy Mohamed
Yudesh Bisnauth
Deveshwari Prashad
Randall Wilson
Keron Sewnarine
Terence Madramootoo
Kelvin Seepersaud
Chris Patadin
Zamin Amin (Manager/Coach)