The Hinterland All Stars women’s cricket team stepped onto the Lusignan Cricket Ground on Friday for the first time—an unprecedented moment that signals both a milestone for women’s cricket and a breakthrough for hinterland athletes long excluded from national sporting pathways.
The team’s formation is attributed to President Irfaan Ali’s initiative to identify and develop sporting talent in remote regions, ensuring that young athletes from the interior are not overlooked in favour of their coastland counterparts. For many of the players, the debut was more than just a match; it was the realisation of a dream they never thought possible.
One team member described the moment simply: the President’s push has opened a pathway for hinterland girls “to show that we have the ability to improve… not only in the village, but outside,” after completing several days of intensive preparation.
Another player, who also serves as a teacher, said she never imagined competing in a national tournament. Calling cricket “a really nice game” that she enjoys playing, she said the opportunity to represent the Hinterland All Stars is “a great opportunity,” adding that she was “looking forward to winning today” and always gives her all “in any sport.”
Region Seven’s Lisa Turrell said she felt immense pride representing what participants refer to as “the President’s team.” Having grown up playing mostly softball, she views the Inter-County Tournament as a pivotal moment in her development and a sign that hinterland athletes are finally gaining national recognition. It “feels good to be recognised by the President,” she noted, expressing hope that the team would “go forward and do our best to win.”
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, told players that the administration is committed to ensuring real access and opportunity in every part of Guyana. Calling the occasion “a very historic day,” he emphasised that the President intends for the initiative to expand beyond cricket into multiple sporting disciplines, adding that the government has already begun engaging federations nationwide to solidify inclusivity.
With the first ball now bowled, the initiative has moved from presidential promise to tangible progress. For hinterland youth—especially young women—the debut of the Hinterland All Stars represents a shift from watching national sport from afar to finally claiming their place on the field, reshaping the narrative of who gets to wear Guyana’s colours.
