Guyana: President Irfaan Ali raises a whopping $17.5m under Cricket for Charity

Guyana: President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali spearheaded a ‘Cricket for Charity’ match that raised a whopping $17.5m on Saturday evening at the National Stadium in Providence.

The Head of State, who captained his team, Roraima, to victory, made 21 runs and took three wickets against Kanuku, which was captained by former national cricketer, Lennox Cush.

President Ali’s team featured a mixture of players, including South Africa and Guyana Amazon Warriors spinner, Imran Tahir and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson.

West Indies and Guyanese Cricket great Ramnaresh Sarwan and another Guyana/West Indies cricketer, leg spinner Devendra Bishoo, also played on Cush’s team.

The funds raised will be donated to orphanages, animal welfare organisations and other charitable groups.

The funds will be distributed to eleven orphanages, the Salvation Army, Dharm Shala Home of Benevolence for All Races, and two animal welfare groups in Guyana, Tails of Hope and Paws for a Cause.

President Irfaan Ali took to Facebook and shared glimpses of the cricket match. He said, “The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast Cricket for Charity match led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali raised $17.5 million last evening.” 

The Private Commission secured the funds through generous donations from various individuals and businesses.

President Ali’s ‘Roraima’ beat Guyanese Cricket Legend Lennox Cush’s ‘Kanuku’ in the showpiece at the National Stadium.

President Ali, who has a blazing tapeball hundred against members of disciplined services, is expected to lead several government officials on the field to face business community members, all in a noble effort to raise funds for charity.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., Rawle Ferguson, Kerwin Bollers, and cricket legends Ramneresh Sarwan, Lennox Cush, Devendra Bishoo, Steven Jacobs and other officials participated in the match. 

President Irfaan Ali shares some advice as to a bowler as he gets ready to lead his side against Lennox Cush XI in the ‘Cricket For Charity’ match on August 12 at the National Stadium from 18:00h.