ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Sports Minister Emmalin Pierre has praised West Indies players Andre Fletcher and Afy Fletcher for their discipline, following their triumph at the just concluded Twenty20 World Cup in India.
The players returned home on Wednesday to a warm reception and were joined by fast bowler Ryan John, who was part of the successful West Indies Under-19 side which captured the ICC Youth World Cup in Bangladesh earlier this year.
Pierre said all three players possessed fine qualities and were ideal examples to other young people.
“I want to point out discipline. If you look at the three players in front of us, one of the common denominators – and I’m quite sure there are others – but one of the common denominators we can speak about is their discipline as young people,” Pierre said.
West Indies leg-spinner Afy Fletcher … praised as a fine example to young women.
“Andre, particularly, I want to probably begin there to say that Andre I believe that your steadfastness and faith in God quite obviously would have contributed quite significantly.
“Afy we want to congratulate you and also say to you, you obviously are an example to our young ladies, especially those who are aspiring. All of those who would have contributed to your success, I’m quite sure they are proud of you.”
Andre Fletcher played a key role in the T20 World Cup for West Indies, stroking an unbeaten 84 to fire the Caribbean side to a crucial seven-wicket win over a dangerous Sri Lanka, in their second game of the tournament.
Captain Darren Sammy also credited the Grenadian for his spiritual guidance, leading the side in prayer before every game.
Afy Fletcher, meanwhile, played every game of the tournament, earning seven wickets with her steady leg-spin. It was her brilliant spell of two for 15 from four overs which helped the Windies Women secure a crucial win over India in their final group game and qualify for the semi-finals.
“It all started in South Africa where we toured before the World Cup and everybody’s goal was to win the World Cup and achieve success, and from there we tried to have less negatives and bring out only the positives,” Afy said.
West Indies made history when they captured both the men’s and women’s titles at the T20 World Cup, in last Sunday’s finals in Kolkata.
The women upset three-time defending champions Australia Women by eight wickets in the first game while the men got past England by four wickets in a thrilling last over.
