Blog

Ever since England leg-spinner Adil Rashid dropped a comment on a few of his reels earlier this year, Izaz Sawariya, 20, has made it a habit to wake up and check his Instagram notifications unfailingly.

Initially, his reels attracted a few hundred views. Now, they rack up tens of thousands of impressions “easily.”

The audience has grown to include the likes of Sunil Joshi, until recently the Punjab Kings bowling coach, as well as scouts from Chennai Super Kings. His follower count at the time of writing had grown by 600 in a matter of 30 minutes and stands at 20.6k.

Click here to watch him bowl 

On Tuesday, Sawariya could find himself coming up for bidding at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. His name is slotted at No. 265 in the fourth and final set of uncapped spinners.

Even merely coming up for bidding would make for a remarkable story, of a player making the cut purely on the back of social-media traction, without having played representative cricket at any level.

Sawariya grew up in Bidar, a small town in North Karnataka. “I come from an Air Force family. My father is posted in Gorakhpur with the 27th Squadron (Jaguar),” he tells ESPNcricinfo. “Because of his postings, I grew up in Bidar, Karnataka. I joined Vijay Cricket Club in 2017. Initially, I was a fast bowler, but the coaches there asked me to focus on leg-spin.”

After three years of playing and being unable to break into the Under-15s, Sawariya decided to shift to Rajasthan, where his roots are, to further his cricket. “I felt it would be very tough to break through there,” he says. “So after Covid, in 2022, I moved to Jaipur.”

Sawariya stayed in a paying-guest accommodation and enrolled at the Sanskar Cricket Academy under Surendra Singh Rathore, who has previously coached India Under-19 World Cup winner Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

“The first two years were very hard,” he admits. “I was part of the district set-up, but I didn’t get chances to play. Even last year, I wasn’t given opportunities. That’s when I started thinking differently.”

That different path was Instagram.

“I thought of posting my reels,” he says. “Honestly, when I started, I didn’t think it would go this far. I just kept posting without thinking about the results. Every day after practice, I had some time. I would shoot a reel and post it. One reel after practice, almost daily. That became my routine.

Initially, the response was modest. “Then Adil Rashid started commenting on my reels. That’s when I felt I really I had something,” he says. “He commented on many of my reels.

“We haven’t spoken properly, but we’ve exchanged messages on Instagram. He told me I was very good and complimented my bowling. That gave me a lot of confidence. After that, I started posting more, and the views really went up.”

Soon, teams began to notice. “Chennai Super Kings contacted me. We spoke a couple of times. A scout called me,” he says. “Sunil Joshi sir saw my reel and asked for my number and then Punjab Kings called me for trials in Lucknow.

“I impressed them, they liked me, and after document verification, they filled my form for the IPL auction.”

Sawariya is aware of how unusual his journey has been and feels he’s been able to become a trendsetter with his unique journey into cricket.

“I feel a lot of excitement because no one has gone like this before,” he says. “I think I might be the first player to go from social media to the IPL auction. Now when I scroll Instagram, I see a lot of people trying to make reels like me. It feels good that I’ve started a trend.”

Through it all, he’s thankful for the support from family, especially his father and older sister who’ve supported him financially through these years. There’s also gratitude to his coach.

“Surendra Singh Rathore sir has helped me a lot over the last three years – my technique, my leg-spin, my variations. Because of him, my bowling has improved a lot.”

Sawariya looks up to Ravi Bishnoi, another local Rajasthan boy. Rashid aside, there’s also the admiration for MS Dhoni. “I’ve supported CSK since childhood. I’m a big MS Dhoni fan. If I get a chance, I would love to go to CSK, but as a player, I want to perform well for any team.”

His days have followed a similar pattern lately. “In winters, practice starts at 8am; in summers, around 6 or 6.30am. We practice twice a day, with gym sessions in the evening. After dinner, the day is done.”

And his dreams are fairly clear. “For my parents and my family, I just want to build a house with my own money,” Sawariya says. “That’s my biggest goal.” (ESPNcricinfo)

The post Liked, shared, scouted! How Izaz Sawariya went from Instagram to IPL auction appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Serious crime in Policing Division 4A has declined by more than 76 per cent over the past five years, according to Divisional Commander Simon McBean.

Region 4A, which encompasses Georgetown, carries what McBean described as a “heavy mantle,” given the city’s size, population density, and the range of opportunities it presents for criminal activity.

Nevertheless, he reported that serious crimes in the division have decreased by 2.4 per cent so far in 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024.

Looking at longer-term trends, McBean described the transformation as “staggering.” He noted that since 2020, serious crimes in the division have fallen from 836 cases to just 200 recorded to date in 2025.

McBean further revealed that 16,500 crime reports were investigated, resulting in 3,501 criminal charges.

In terms of traffic, McBean said the division recorded a 3 per cent increase in traffic accidents and 2 percent decrease in fatal accidents for this year so far.

He said the Traffic Department also placed over 5,660 matters before the courts for traffic violations. Additionally, police successfully removed 28 illegal firearms from the streets and seized more than 65 kilograms of cannabis and 18 grams of cocaine.

Addressing internal accountability, McBean disclosed that seven ranks were charged and placed before the courts during the year, reinforcing the standards of integrity expected within the force.

He highlighted that much of the division’s success to three main pillars, including technological integration, highlighting the use of smart cameras, drones, and body-worn cameras as key tools that have strengthened crime detection and resolution.

Despite the positive statistics, McBean cautioned that challenges remain.

“One serious crime is still one too many,” he said, noting that fear of crime continues to be a concern among citizens. He stressed that the division’s goal moving forward is to ensure that the safety reflected in crime data is also felt in the daily lives of residents.

The awards ceremony was held to recognise officers who demonstrated exceptional service, bravery, and dedication throughout the year, with the aim of motivating ranks as the division continues its crime-reduction efforts.

The post Serious crime in Region 4A dropped by 76% -Mc Bean appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who are yet to acquire Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination passes in Mathematics and English are now required to get these qualifications.

The directive was underscored on Monday during the Regional Division 4A Annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, where Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond reminded stakeholders that President Dr Irfaan Ali charged all ranks to treat education as a national security investment and a “non-negotiable” requirement.

Walrond explained that every rank of the Force must secure passes in Mathematics and English within the next three years. She also said all ranks are also required to register on the Guyana Digital School platform to support their academic advancement.

“I want to charge you to take hold of your future and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you, so that you will be adequately equipped to be better servicemen and women,” Walrond said, noting the the government will support their educational pursuits.

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken reinforced the mandate, revealing that following a meeting with President Ali, a decision was taken to ensure that all Constables to Sergeants without CXC passes enroll and complete the required subjects.

“Constables to Sergeants, who are not with their CXCs, please enroll. We are going to have it done,” Hicken said.

He noted that improving the academic qualifications of ranks would directly enhance the performance and professionalism of the Force, while also encouraging officers to further their studies, highlighting that tuition at the University of Guyana is currently free.

The education push forms part of a broader effort to modernise the GPF and ensure ranks are better equipped to meet the evolving demands of law enforcement.

The post Police without Maths, English passes given three years to meet requirement- Walrond appeared first on News Room Guyana.

As the action heats up in the third One Guyana/Kashif and Shanghai President’s Futsal Championship coordinated by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation in association with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, room for any lapses will be minimised from Tuesday night when the Round-of-32 gets cracking with five matches.

The top 16 teams from the 2024/2025 edition who drew byes to this round will now be tested and based on their performances last time around, are tipped to get into the Round-of-16.

The main clash on Tuesday night at the tournament venue, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, will feature defending champions Sparta Boss against first-round winner, Laing Avenue.

This star-studded Sparta side coached by Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, just off delivering Guyana’s maiden title win at the Inter Guiana Games, will fancy their chances of going all the way.

Setting things in train will be North East and first-round winner, Kingston from 20:00h. Bent Street ‘B’ will seek to topple another first-round winner, Kanaimas in the second match of the night followed by Silver Bullets taking on Make It Happen.

Back Circle will take center stage when they match skills with Sophia Ballers in the night’s penultimate clash.

Fans can look forward to a night of pulsating rivalry as teams continue to keep their eyes of the top prize of G$3M.

Thursday night will see another five-matches contested when Team Family comes up against Agricola Ballers in the opener, followed by Gold is Money against West Side Ballers, Team Cruel and Ballers United, Bent Street ‘A’ vs Alexander Village and North Ruimveldt vs Stabroek Ballers.

Six matches are slated for Friday Night- Festival City vs Beavers, Z-Tekk vs Corinthians, YMCA vs Melanie, Lethem vs Espanyol, Bomb Squad vs Albouystown and Road Warriors vs Footsteppers.

Part of the action in the schools tournament

Schools round-robin continues Tuesday

Play in the round-robin format for schools will continue on Tuesday at the same venue from noon with six matches.

Carmel will face off with Westminster, Charlestown comes up against St. Joseph’s High, West Demerara engages Bishops’ High, VYC Academy plays New Central High, Cummings Lodge battles Annandale and Hope Secondary tests Lodge.

A total of seven matches will set the Hall alive on Thursday from the same time: St. Joseph’s High vs Carmel, St. John’s College vs Charlestown, South Ruimveldt vs Bishop’s High, New Central vs West Demerara, Brickdam vs Cummings Lodge, Annandale vs Dolphin and West Ruimveldt vs North Ruimveldt.

The organisers are expressing thanks to the following sponsors: Government of Guyana, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, ANSA McAL, Rashleigh Sam Enterprise, Bakewell, Cevon’s Environmental Services, Dinars Trading, Maggies, Jai Signs and Designs, Star Party Rentals, Super Bet, Hits and Jams 94.1FM, Jumbo Jet, MVP Sports, GENEQUIP, Impressions and Colours Boutique.

The post President’s Futsal: Defending champs Sparta Boss in action as Round-of-32 kicks off Tuesday appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See below the full release from the Ministry of Public Works:

The Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) wishes to inform the public that continuous monitoring of settlement observation points of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has confirmed that no abnormal settlement has occurred in the bridge foundations. All monitoring data indicate that the bridge structure remains safe, stable, and fully reliable for public use.

Regarding the pavement undulations observed on the side span of the main bridge, technical investigations have determined that these irregularities are limited to localized surface flatness variations arising from the asphalt pavement construction process.

Importantly, this condition affects only the pavement surface layer and does not compromise the structural integrity or load-bearing capacity of the bridge.

Additionally, the pavement undulation observed near the east approach bridge abutment has been attributed to the specific characteristics of this transition zone, where the road embankment fill interfaces with the concrete abutment structure.

Differences in material properties between the sand fill and the concrete structure have resulted in varying settlement behavior, leading to a temporary elevation difference that manifests as pavement undulation. The contractor has been instructed to carry out remedial works shortly to restore a smooth and comfortable driving surface.

The Ministry of Public Works appreciates the vigilance and concern shown by members of the public and other stakeholders regarding this critical infrastructure.

The Ministry remains fully committed to the professional and responsible management, monitoring, and maintenance of the bridge and its ancillary facilities, ensuring the highest standards of public safety and travel comfort.

END

The post ‘It is safe’ – Public Works Ministry addresses concerns raised about Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Press Release from the Vurlon Mills Football Academy

The Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) has returned from a highly successful international tour, marking another important milestone in the academy’s ongoing mission to develop young footballers through exposure, competition and life-changing experiences.

Competing against strong regional opposition in Trinidad and Tobago, VMFA teams showcased not only their talent and preparation, but also their discipline, character and growing football intelligence on the international stage.

International tournaments play a critical role in the holistic development of young athletes. For VMFA players, these competitions provide exposure to different playing styles, higher levels of intensity, and professional environments that cannot always be replicated at home.

Facing unfamiliar opponents challenges players to adapt quickly, build confidence under pressure, and apply their training in real match situations.

Beyond football, these experiences foster independence, cultural and resilience- qualities that are essential both on and off the field.

For the VMFA kids, this tour meant more than just matches played and goals scored. It represented opportunity, belief and vision.

Many of these young athletes experienced their first international competition, wore their academy colours with pride, and measured themselves against some of the best youth teams in the region.

These moments inspire dreams, raise standards, and reinforce the message that with commitment and hard work, their potential has no limits.

VMFA will continue to invest in these powerful development initiatives because they are proven pathways to growth.

In an environment where consistent high-level competition can be limited, international tours bridge the gap and accelerate player development.

The academy remains committed to creating platforms that expose its athletes to quality competition and prepare them for future opportunities at higher levels of the game.

This successful tour is not an end, but another step forward in VMFA’s long-term vision of developing well-rounded players and future ambassadors of football.

Summarised results

• Under-11 Division: VMFA emerged champions of the Onboard competition and third in the Concept Coach. VMFA won six of their seven games, scoring 13 goals, with every player getting an opportunity to play.
• Under-13 Division: VMFA won the Onboard competition and place second in the Concept Coach. VMFA won seven of the nine games, scoring 15 goals, with every players getting an opportunity to play.

The post Vurlon Mills Football Academy completes successful tour of T&T appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The National Education Leadership Academy, an initiative that will strengthen teacher’s abilities to guide and mentor students, was launched on Monday.

This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership with the UNESCO providing technical support, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a US$5 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education.

With concerns raised by persons about bullyism in schools, this initiative provides ample training for teachers to handle these situations confidently.

During the launch at the Pegasus Hotel, Education Minister, Sonia Parag said the Academy sets the foundation for the Ministry’s strategic plan of providing opportunities for equitable education and lifelong learning.

“We gather at a defining moment in Guyana’s development, our nation is changing rapidly and with that change comes both opportunity and responsibility.

“Leadership is the bridge between our national aspirations and reality of teaching and learning, it is that bridge that the National Education Leadership Academy is designed to strengthen,” the minister said.

This Academy already has 100 trainees making up the first cohort of teachers in various positions to be trained with the exemplary leadership skills needed within the school system.

The IDB Country representative, Lorena Solorzano- Salazar during her remarks.

These persons will undergo several training sessions over an 18-month period. It hosts sessions through online and in-person sessions to promote community level practice.

Importantly, Minister Parag said the teachers will be able to access opportunities that lead to the empowerment of students through this Academy.

“We know that disparities exist between regions between genders and among learners with special education needs and disabilities, we know that too many children face barriers that limit opportunities,” the minister said.

The IDB Country representative, Lorena Solorzano- Salazar said the teachers can incorporate their knowledge and skills into this Academy to elevate the outcome of this initiative.

“Together we can build leadership eco-systems and ensure that every child in every region has the opportunity to learn, to grow and to succeed,” Solorzano-Salazar said.

The teachers who benefit from this Academy will receive a certificate and the skills needed to properly lead not only in the classroom but in their life endeavors as well.

 

The post National Education Leadership Academy launched appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Tears turned to smiles and long-awaited embraces filled prison visitation areas across the country as the Guyana Prison Service rolled out its annual Christmas Family Bonding Initiative, giving inmates the chance to reconnect with their families during the holiday season.

The initiative ran from December 1 to 15, between 08:30 hrs and 14:00 hrs and was facilitated at all prison locations.

Speaking during a recent episode of ‘Prisons in Focus’, Superintendent of Prisons, Davis Shepherd said the programme was rolled out to create a meaningful psychosocial impact that supports the preservation of the family unit.

According to Shepherd, the initiative provided inmates with emotional and psychological relief through brief moments of interaction with loved ones whether was their children, parents and relatives from whom they may have been separated for extended periods.

“It gives them comfort to know that their families are well, healthy and taken care of.

“At the same time, inmates get to see that their children are growing, that they are loved and still want to share time with them. That reminder that somebody still cares even though they may have run afoul of the law is extremely important,” Shepherd said.

During the visits, inmates were allowed to share meals with their families, exchange hugs and spend quality time together.

“They smile, they are happy, they hug their children.

“For incarcerated mothers especially, that moment brings a great sense of relief and encourages them to become better persons, knowing that someone is looking out for them,” he said.

Shepherd added that in many cases where inmates do not receive visits, welfare officers often have to intervene to facilitate contact, sometimes even arranging phone calls.

The Christmas bonding initiative, however, sparked renewed family involvement.

“Now that we are doing this bonding, you see the joy coming out,” Shepherd said.

While acknowledging that families sometimes withdraw when a loved one is incarcerated, Shepherd said the strong turnout is encouraging.

“Seeing so many families come out gives inmates hope and with hope, all possibilities can be achieved,” Shepherd said.

The post Prison Service rolls out Christmas family bonding initiative appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The 2025 KFC International School football tournament burst into action on Sunday with a staggering display of attacking dominance, high drama, and competitive football that sets a fierce tone for the week ahead.

Defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation immediately served notice of their intention to retain the title, delivering a commanding 24-1 victory over the Anglican Central Education Authority Select (ACEAS) from the Bahamas in the tournament’s opening Group A fixture at the Queen’s College Ground.

The headline act of the day belonged squarely to Bryan Wharton, netting nine goals to anchor the Guyanese team’s thumping triumph.

Wharton’s clinical finishing overwhelmed the Bahamian defence, sending an ominous warning across the tournament field.

Wharton was ably supported by hat-trick hero Isiah Ifill (three), while Onesi Dunn and Shaquan David each bagged two goals.

Whitney King also found the net twice, complementing single strikes from Nyron Barrow, Mark Glasgow, Kemron Pellew, Neeaz Baksh, and Damani Hardy.

The Bahamian side registered their only goal of the game, unfortunately, via an own goal.

If the first match was a demonstration of overwhelming power, the second provided sheer, unadulterated drama. Kingston College of Jamaica secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over local hopefuls West Ruimveldt Secondary in an end-to-end contest that saw eleven goals scored.

West Ruimveldt appeared to be cruising at the interval, having built a commanding 3-1 lead thanks to an early strike from Joel Griffith (18’) and a brace from the phenomenal Jeremiah Griffith (32’, 41’).

However, the second half saw a monumental shift in momentum. Kingston College’s Ricardo Gibbon had opened the scoring in the 5th minute, and the Jamaican side used that early intent to fuel their furious comeback.

Davion Clarke netted in the 48th minute, reducing the deficit, only for Jeremiah Griffith to immediately respond with his third (55’).

The final twenty minutes were pure chaos. Abreil Fisher struck in the 70th minute, followed rapidly by Clarke’s second (74’) and Fisher’s brace-completing goal (75’), dramatically swinging the scoreline in favour of Kingston College.

Jeremiah Griffith scored his fourth goal in the 81st minute, levelling the contest once more, but Nthanda Scott provided the final, decisive strike in the 87th minute to hand the Jamaicans a breathtaking 6-5 win.

Over at the Ministry of Education Ground,  Nikiere Technical proved too strong for José Vieira de Sales Guerra State School of Brazil, clinching a 2-0 victory.

Darien Doris opened the scoring in the 16th minute, and Jizreel Sedoc sealed the result with a late goal in the 76th minute, giving the Surinamese side a strong start to their campaign.

Finally, St Benedict College of Trinidad and Tobago dominated their match against Annai Secondary, running out 4-0 winners. Josiah Barrow broke the deadlock in the 39th minute.

Jelani Stoute then took charge in the second half, bagging a brace (55’, 69’), before Jelani Scott rounded out the scoring in the 72nd minute, placing St Benedict’s in a commanding position in Group B.

Matches continue on Tuesday at both venues:

At Queen’s College, Kington’s College face ACEAS at 12:30h, followed by St. Benedict’s College against Nikiere Technical from 14:30h, while at MoE, Chase face West Ruimveldt from 18:00h, followed by Guerra State School against Annai from 20:00h.

Group A: Chase’s Academic Foundation, Kingston College (Jamaica), West Ruimveldt Secondary, Anglican Central Education Authority Select (The Bahamas).

Group B: José Vieira de Sales Guerra State School (Brazil), St Benedict’s College (Trinidad and Tobago), Annai Secondary, Nikiere Technical (Suriname).

The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals.

 

The post KFC School Football: Chase’s Academic Foundation rout Bahamian side 24-1 appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The recent SounDown Music and Art Festival, headlined by Dutch DJ Dannic and Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, has been hailed by organisers as a “historic moment” that positions Guyana as a serious contender on the international entertainment tourism map.

The festival, held on December 6 at the Marriott Beachfront, welcomed nearly 3,000 patrons, marking a significant 25% increase over the earlier Storm25 event in August.

Tariq Dakhil, one of the organisers with BPM Guyana, reflected on the event’s success, noting that it validated a vision that began almost a decade ago.

“SounDown demonstrated, in a very real and visible way, the potential that electronic music and large-scale cultural events have within our tourism and creative landscape,” Dakhil stated.

“Myself, Rosanna Fung, and Kristian Jeffrey have been building this scene since 2017 purely out of love for the genre,” he added.

“Seeing SounDown come to life with international headliners leading the charge was a powerful validation of how far the movement has come.”

The festival’s most impactful feedback centred on its world-class production, a conscious goal of BPM Guyana’s planning team.

Dakhil described the preparation as “extremely intricate and intentional,” emphasising that no resource was spared in production.

This required extensive collaboration across borders, with teams from Curaçao, Suriname and Trinidad working alongside Guyanese crews on stage design, special effects and the full audio/visual execution.

Their combined efforts paid off with patrons expressing that SounDown felt like a “true international EDM festival rather than a local event,” praising the stage design, lighting, and sound quality.

“The event proved that with the right expertise and commitment, Guyana can deliver at an international standard,” Dakhil noted.

He highlighted that the current production represents only “about 20% of our full vision for a major festival.”

BPM Guyana’s core mission is to position the country as the “next EDM hotspot in the world”, and this ambition has found high-level political resonance.

The recognition and support from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, as well as the public sharing of highlights from the event, suggest a strong alignment between the festival and the national vision for entertainment tourism.

“His broader vision of Guyana as a hub for entertainment tourism aligns directly with what we are building,” Dakhil explained.

Click to view slideshow.

“That level of recognition reinforces our belief that 2026 will be the year Guyana pushes beyond perceived limits and firmly establishes itself on the international festival calendar.”

The success of SounDown was achieved with the backing of key institutional and corporate partners, including President Ali’s government and the One Guyana initiative, as well as corporate sponsors such as ENet and Coca-Cola.

Looking ahead to 2026, BPM Guyana plans to significantly expand its two major annual festivals, with the agenda including further scaling production, securing even more impactful global talent and extending the festivals into two-day experiences, all while continuing to foster and elevate local Guyanese talent.

The post SounDown: How Guyana’s new EDM Festival is pushing for the International Stage appeared first on News Room Guyana.