WICB snubs World Cup winning team

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is yet to honour the World Twenty20 (T2) winning team. 

T&T Guardian understands that since winning the world title the regional players have gotten only a congratulatory message from the WICB and nothing else. The West Indies cricket team surprised all by winning the title against hosts Sri Lanka, last year. 

It is understood that none of the players were given anything and although some were met by some of the officials, there was no reward for winning the title. The regional team has been without a world title since Brian Lara led them to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy title in England in 2004.

Some of the players have been asking why have they not been recognised but they have not gotten any answers from the regional body. Attempts to contact the president of the WICB, Dr Julien Hunte yesterday proved unsuccessful. 

For the players it is not only about monetary rewards but at least the recognition for winning a world title. Skipper Darren Sammy was paraded in St Lucia on returning home but none of the others players were given any recognition, even by their home boards.

The West Indies women cricketers were however luckier, as they were given gifts and other rewards when they arrived home about two weeks ago from Sri Lanka. They had earlier finished as runners-up in the Women’s 50 overs World Cup in India. They lost out to Australia in the final of the tournament in New Delhi, India. 

The men cricketers at this point although very happy that the women have been recognised is still waiting on word from the regional body, as to whether they would be honoured or whether the medal they received from the ICC for winning the finals, will be enough for their efforts.

A source close to the situation says that with WICB elections in the air right now, it is either they get their recognition now or they may never get it. 

“It is sad. These guys played their hearts out to bring glory to the people of the Caribbean after so long and at least we can show our appreciation to them. They won a world title and it was like, just another series for the WICB.”

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