The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) expressed alarm on Wednesday regarding a report that the President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Bissoondyal Singh publicly stated that he and his entire membership have endorsed President Irfaan Ali for a second term.
“Without hesitation, we denounce this outrageous decision,” the party said, adding that the endorsement is a “logical follow-up” to the occasion when the entire Executive of the GCB wore red shirts when they called on President Ali after Bissoondyal Singh’s re-election in March 2025.
“This unfortunate development does not augur well for the healthy progress of cricket in Guyana. A more thoughtful President of the Board would have realized that an endorsement of a politician would call into question the fairness and impartiality of the Board as regards the question of selection, financial administration, and its alignment with international cricket norms,” the APNU said.
Furthermore, the party highlighted that the International Cricket Council (ICC) Article 2.4 D of its Constitution has adopted a strict position against governmental interference in the management of cricket in member countries. The member state in this specific instance is Cricket West Indies (CWI).
“We are certain that this endorsement will put the GCB at odds with the CWI, as the ICC is most likely to ask about the GCB in Guyana endorsing a political candidate.”
APNU said that the endorsement is a direct invitation to the government to interfere in the administration of the game, adding that an alliance between the Board and President Ali will almost ensure that the latter will attempt to control the organization.
“This is in President’s Ali and the PPP’s DNA. This will have a negative impact on cricket and the way it is played and administered. The APNU Coalition has no choice but to condemn the GCB’s move…On behalf of the cricket fans and decent-minded Guyanese, we demand that the GCB withdraw its endorsement.”
