CONCRETE pitches would be constructed for all-year practice with money coming from a nationwide raffle.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) launched the raffle at Charles Woon-A-Tai Shell Service Station, Vlissengen Road, Bel Air Park on Thursday.
GCB president Chetram Singh disclosed that the cricket body was aiming to raise some $5 million to develop the game.
One of the projects the money would be used for was the construction of concrete pitches so that bad weather would not stop practice; for sessions could be conducted all year round, even in the rainy season.
Public Relations Officer Terry Holder declared: “Developing cricket has a cost.”
The big attraction is the first prize coming from Auto Supplies Company, a Toyota Mark II motor car.
Miss Ann-Marie Satnarine, a delegate for the Junior Miss Guyana Pageant, handed over the keys of the vehicle to Singh on behalf of the company.
Other prizes came from North American Airlines, represented by Sales Manager Junior Horatio, a television from Courts, and a treadmill exerciser from the Gift Centre and Woodpecker Products.
West Indies vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and past captain of the National Under-19 team, Troy Cornelius, also attended the launching.
Members of the National Under-19 team urged the public to support the raffle, giving various reasons for making the request.
Delegates of the Miss Junior Guyana beauty pageant were also present and, along with the youth cricketers, assisted in selling tickets that went on sale immediately.
Tickets will be on sale at all the venues of the TCL West Indies Under-19 championships, which bowl off on Tuesday with the limited over segment.