PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Oct 1, CMC-Batting legend Brian Lara was among 33 past and present national cricketers honoured by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) in a special ceremony over the weekend.
The award, part of the 50th anniversary of the twin republic’s independence, is the second in weeks for Lara following his entry into cricket’s hall of fame.
Other former national players awarded include Phillip Simmons, Mervyn Dillon, Larry Gomes, Bernard Julien, Raphick Jumadeen, Deryck Murray, Rangy Nanan and Augustine Logie, the dazzling batsman of the l980s and l990s.
Among current national players recognized were Dwayne Bravo, Dave Mohammed, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul and Lendl Simmons.
“We have noted the socio economic and political development of our country since independence and we are proud that we were able to contribute to the process” said president of the TTCB, Azim Bassarath addressing the awards ceremony at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Port of Spain.
“Today, many of the men and women who have contributed significantly to this process are in this room with us and it is a proud and historic moment …”
A number of cricket administrators were also honoured including Longstanding TTCB president Alloy Lequay, current woman’s association president Anne Browne John and former Tobago administrator now politician Orville London.
Delivering the keynote address at the awards function former West Indies fast bowler Sir Reverend Wes Hall said cricket has played a significant role in forging the independence and identity of Caribbean nations over the past 50 years.
“Please be aware that when we talk of West Indian cricket as a development tool to our people, we are speaking of the importance of cricket to something bigger than ourselves” said Hall, the former West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President.
“That something is West Indian people, our nations, our collective consciousness, our identity and the culture, of which we have crafted a harsh history”.
The TTCB function was held to honour 50 outstanding players and administrators who have served the sport from 1962 to present.