Says success is part of Strategic Plan to support and grow women’s cricket
St John’s, Antigua – Dr. Julian Hunte, President of the West Indies Cricket Board today congratulated the West Indies Women’s Team for reaching their first ever final Women’s World Cup final.
"Through his historic achievement, once again the West Indies Women’s team has brought honour, glory and pride to our cricket-loving region. Captain Merissa Aguilleira, Coach Sherwin Campbell and the entire squad have demonstrated that they will not relent on their march upward in world cricket," Dr Hunte remarked.
"The players have played with unwavering passion and drive and they have achieved like no other West Indies Women’s Team has achieved in the past. But this team stands on the shoulders of the achievements and the work done by previous teams and players and they have taken it to the next level," Dr. Hunte observed.
"The Board and the entire West Indies cricketing family salute them and wish them the very best for the final on Sunday to which we will all be glued through television," Dr Hunte said.
"Following on from the men’s team winning the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka last year the Women have now entered into the final and it is another indicator of the progressive path upon which West Indies Cricket has been placed," the WICB boss added.
"I know I have mentioned it countless times before but we need to keep reiterating that these performances are not by chance but part of a determined plan which has been instituted years in advance. We took a conscious and deliberate decision, as part of our Strategic Plan to ensure that Women’s cricket was grown and supported in a programmed manner. From increased tours to more preparatory camps to retainer contracts to a defined selection policy, the WICB has been focussed on ensuring that Women’s cricket receive the support it needs to achieve success which we are now seeing," Dr. Hunte said.
"Finally while the team has already achieved the target (finishing in the top four) for this tournament, we are confident that they have all the tools, skills, support, experience and expertise to bring the World Cup trophy back to the Caribbean and we remain resolutely with them every step of the way," Dr Hunte concluded.