The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, has offered congratulations to the West Indies Men’s and Women’s team which completed a memorable day of cricket on Sunday by sweeping the ICC World T20 titles in India.
LaRocque also recognised the achievements of the West Indies Under-19 team, which captured the Youth World Cup title for the first time, winning the tournament in Bangladesh earlier this year. The triple crown means the Caribbean cricketers have made an unprecedented clean sweep of ICC titles on offer this year.
West Indies’ successes on Sunday represented the first occasion that two teams from the same nation had copped both titlesIrwin LaRocque
LaRocque said, “Once again the West Indies cricketers have brought glory to our Region. I congratulate the women and men’s teams on their victories in the International Cricket Council World T20 Competitions which demonstrated their ability to overcome the challenges they faced.”
He added, “I also want to congratulate the teams’ coaching staff for their efforts. The teamwork and team spirit in both teams were evident throughout the competition as the hard work of the coaching and support staff ensured that the players, very well led by the captains, kept their focus on the ultimate goal. These triumphs underscored the fact that our people have the ability, not only to compete, but to lead the world.”
LaRocque believes the resounding success of the teams should serve to inspire Caribbean people off all walks of life.
“Their victories [the senior sides] and that of the Under-19 team in the World Cup earlier this year should serve as an inspiration to our youth, in particular, and to our people in all fields of endeavour. Well done West Indies!” LaRocque concluded.
In the Men’s final, West Indies, needing 156 to win, required 19 off the final over bowled by Ben Stokes, and Carlos Brathwaite smashed the first four balls for six to seal the win with two balls to spare.
The Women’s team won by eight wickets with three balls remaining to topple defending champions Australia, while the Under-19s had the better of India in the 50-over Youth World Cup in February.
