Board offers thanks to West Indies team

Captain Darren Sammy and his squad produced some spectacular cricket during the tournament in Sri Lanka, culminating in an emphatic victory over the hosts in Sunday’s final.

Dr Hunte said: “On behalf of all West Indians I want to say ‘thank you’ to the team for what you did for the people and for West Indies cricket. Sunday, October 7, 2012 will go down in history and one of the great days in West Indies cricket.

“Huge congratulations to captain Darren Sammy and the players and Head Coach Ottis Gibson, Team Manager Richie Richardson and the support staff for an amazing effort. It was a job well done and the entire Caribbean along with West Indies cricket lovers are extremely proud of this team. It was a joy to see such a clinical performance on the field of play.

“This was an outstanding display of tenacity, fight, courage, will-power and belief. To come to Sri Lanka and beat them on their home turf in the grand final, when all was on the line, is truly remarkable.

“The entire region was behind this team as they left home to compete to participate in this high-profile tournament. From the start there were great expectations and the players went out and delivered in a major way.”

After a glorious period of success from the late 1970s through to the early 1990s, West Indies cricket fans have been starved of success since then – with just the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy for comfort. Now the latest crop of players can take their place among the celebrated names of the past.

“West Indies cricket has a rich history and we are proud of what those who have played before have done for us and what they achieved. Now, in this era, we have a new group of champions who have given their all and made us proud. Today, we salute our champions,” Dr Hunte said.