The 2009 Barakat Brothers limited overs cricket competition will commence today with three matches following the official launch of the competition on Wednesday at the home of Feroze Barakat, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

Meten-Meer-Zorg (West), Uitvlugt and Leguan grounds are the three venues for the opening match-ups to be contested today while the competition continues tomorrow with matches at the Meten-Meer-Zorg (West), Zeeburg and Uitvlugt grounds.

Teams will battle for the top prize of $125,000 while the runner-up will pocket $60,000. There are also prize monies for the semi-finalists while individual prizes such as best batsman and bowler of the competition are also up for grabs.

Sponsorship for this tournament amounted to $750,000 and it will be played with white balls and coloured clothing.
The competition will be contested on a round-robin basis with seven teams in two zones (A and B).

Zeeburg, Crane, Zeelugt Ruby United, Meten Meer Zorg (A), Vergenoegen and All Youth are in Zone A while Leonora, Meten Meer Zorg (B), Uitvlugt, Satro Leguan, Independence Sports Club and Windsor Forest are in Zone B.

In each zone teams will play six matches each which will give a total of 42 matches before the semi-finals and final.
Naseema Barakat, a representative of Barakat Brothers said that the brothers were once again happy to come on board to sponsor the second tournament and urged the teams to be at the top of their game during the competition.

Tournament organizer Troy Khan said at the launching that it was the first 40-overs-a-side coloured clothing competition to be contested and that teams will be tested during this competition which will be a bit longer because of the number of games.