GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Nov 12, CMC – Sixteen Guyanese cricketers will travel to Pakistan for a four-week high-performance training stint at the Lahore Qalandars Academy, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports announced on Wednesday.
The programme, set to run from November 13 to December 13, 2026, follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in September between the Ministry, through Ministers Charles Ramson Jr and Steven Jacobs, and the Lahore Qalandars franchise, represented by owner Sameen Rana.
The contingent includes Guyana Harpy Eagles captain Tevin Imlach, Matthew Nandu, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savoury, Mavendra Dindyal, Shamar Apple, Jonathan Van Lange, Zeynul Ramsammy, Kevin Sinclair, Richie Looknauth, Isai Thorne, Ari-Afrizal Kadir, Micah Amsterdam, Thaddeus Lovell, Darwin Joseph and Zameer Nazeer.
The squad will be accompanied by coach Julian Moore and manager Andre Percival.
According to the Ministry, this is the first time a select Guyanese cricket squad will benefit from a specialised international high-performance development programme of this kind, incorporating modern training techniques, advanced technology and sports science.
During the four weeks, players will undergo intensive training focused on technical development, speed analysis, bat-speed assessment, biomechanics, performance laboratory testing, comprehensive player analysis, nutrition and modern methods of improving individual performance.
The squad is a mix of players with West Indies international experience, established national cricketers, emerging young talents, fringe players and individuals receiving their first opportunity to represent Guyana.
The Ministry said the initiative will also expose the players to talent scouts associated with the Lahore Qalandars, creating potential pathways to further international opportunities.
Former Pakistan internationals, including legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis, are expected to make appearances during the camp.
The programme originated from discussions between President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and representatives of the Lahore Qalandars, reflecting the President’s continued commitment to creating international opportunities for Guyanese athletes and advancing cricket and sport development across Guyana.
The Lahore Qalandars, a professional cricket franchise from Pakistan, also participated in the Global Super League, an international T20 tournament established in Guyana, further strengthening the sporting relationship between Guyana and Pakistan.
“This initiative represents more than a training programme. It is an investment in our cricketers, an opportunity to bridge the gap between talent and international performance, and another demonstration of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to developing our athletes through meaningful international partnerships,” the Ministry said.
“Our objective is clear, and that is to provide Guyanese talent with the exposure, technology, expertise and opportunities necessary to compete and excel at the highest levels of international cricket.”
CMC la/26