ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board, Michael Muirhead, has commended the senior men’s and women’s windies teams for achieving targets set out by the WICB.
Muirhead says the regional side’s historic triumph in winning the ICC Twenty/20 tournament was achieved on the backs of “rigorous preparation, astute planning and consistent performances”.
In a congratulatory message to the team yesterday, Muirhead said winning the tournament was a specific target for 2014 in the WICB five year strategic plan.
“Now that through the outstanding work of the players and the Team Management we are ahead of our goals” said Muirhead who replaced Dr. Ernest Hillaire as CEO at the start of the month.
“We will need to review and readjust and look to retain the title in 2014, even as we are cognizant that the other cricketing powerhouses will be leaving nothing to chance as they too prepare”.
West Indies played with passion and commitment to defeat Sri Lanka by 36 runs in a remarkable final at the Premadasa Stadium.
The New CEO notes that the start of his tenure coincides with renewed expectation among Caribbean fans.
“I am honoured to be entering West Indies cricket at a time when the region is enthused about the game and the prospects”said Muirhead said. I am thankful to the team and the WICB Board and Management which have all worked on ensuring that the fundamentals for this triumph were in place, even if ahead of the projected strategic target”.
The new CEO also commended the Windies Women for achieving one of the stated WICB objectives of finishing in the top four of each of the Cricket World Cups and World Twenty20s held between 2011 and 2016.
The West Indies Women’s team made the semi-final of the Women’s World Twenty 20 but lost to Australia who went on the claim the title.
“While our Women’s team did not win the title, it is clear to all that they have made significant advancement in recent years and continue stridently on the development path,” Muirhead said.
“We will continue to support them with training and resources toward this goal as they prepare for the next global engagement – the Women’s World Cup next year”.
