By Eric Collymore
President Irfaan Ali, alongside past and present players of Guyana cricket, came together to stage a memorial cricket match honoring the late Clyde Butts and commemorating the achievements of the 1983 senior team at the Everest ground.
During the game, President Ali, donning the red and white colors for Team Challengers, emphasized the importance of mentorship in cricket to ensure the continued growth of the sport.
He highlighted the need for nurturing young talent, stating, “A lot of these youngsters need mentorship, and that is what is important.”
Former president of the Guyana Cricket Board, Major-General ret. Norman McLean, reflected on the success of the 1983 team, remarking on how their achievements carried the team over the hill to victory.
In Sunday’s matchup, Team Challengers, led by President Ali, emerged victorious over Team Champions by three runs.
The Challengers posted a total of 138 for 5, while Team Champions managed 135 for 6.
Notable figures joining President Ali in the match included Sports Minister Charles Ramson, former West Indies players Ramnaresh Sarwan and Roger Harper, current Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson, along with regional players Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Matthew Nandu, among others.
The memorial match, dedicated to Clyde Butts, formed part of a four-day series of activities honoring the historic 1983 Guyana team.
This team achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first side to win both the Shell Shield and the Geddies Grant Harrison Line Trophy in the same season.