by Attorney Darren Wade
For far too long, I have been sounding the alarm about the dangerous and deliberate politicization of cricket in Guyana. What we are witnessing is the systematic hijacking of a national sport by partisan interests, turning a unifying cultural force into a political weapon.
West Indies Cricketer
We now see both local and international cricketers openly donning jerseys branded with PPP insignia, reducing athletes to mere political mascots. Even commentators, who ought to be impartial, are shamelessly using their platforms to campaign, with brazen calls like “Give Irfaan one more term.” This is not only inappropriate; it is an affront to the integrity of sport and democracy alike.
Even more troubling is the involvement of corporate actors. ExxonMobil, a multinational corporation operating in our sovereign territory, is now openly sponsoring political events. This raises urgent and serious questions about undue influence, corporate complicity, and the erosion of political neutrality in public spaces.
Who owns the Guyana Super League Cricket franchise? The public deserves to know. When the Government of Guyana purchases hundreds or thousands of tickets and distributes them, who exactly is profiting from this? Is public money being funneled into private pockets under the guise of sports promotion?
These actions are corrupt, unethical, and dangerous. Cricket is not a political party’s tool. It is a national treasure belonging to every Guyanese, regardless of race, region, or political affiliation. It must be protected from exploitation and manipulation.
We must demand transparency. We must resist the creeping authoritarianism that disguises itself in sponsorships, jerseys, and grandstands.
