St John’s, Antigua – The world governing body for cricket – the International Cricket Council – has praised and congratulated the West Indies Cricket Board for the impressive development of its women’s cricket programme.
The ICC Chief Executive Officer, Haroon Lorgat, wrote to the WICB President Dr. Julian Hunte on Monday expressing the ICC sentiments.
"I would like to congratulate all at the WICB for the good work in developing Women’s cricket and for the performances of the West Indies women’s team," Lorgat wrote.
The ICC CEO noted that the recent ICC Development and Women’s Committee meetings noted the impressive performances of the West Indies Women’s team in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Bangladesh in November last year and the team’s recently achieved triumphs against India in the Caribbean.
Lorgat also noted that West Indies all rounder Stafanie Taylor winning the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2011 marks the first time a player outside of the traditional women’s cricket powerhouses of England, New Zealand, India and Australia has won the prestigious award.
The ICC also noted that Taylor is currently ranked the world’s number 1 female all rounder and batter on the Reliance ICC Women’s ODI player rankings.
The West Indies Women’s programme has been boosted in recent years by several WICB initiatives including:
1. Consistent hosting of regional tournaments
2. Increased overseas tours for West Indies Women’s team
3. Preparatory camps for the West Indies Women’s team
4. Retainer contracts for West Indies Women players
In 2010 the WICB, for the first time, signed six women players on retainer contracts. In 2011 the number was increased to 8 players.