The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has commended the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their work done in developing the sport among women in the region.
ICC Chief Executive Officer, Haroon Lorgat, wrote to the WICB president Julian Hunte hailing the WICB program, which has reaped significant success.
“I would like to congratulate all at the WICB for the good work in developing women’s cricket and for the performances of the West Indies women’s team,” Lorgat said.
The ICC CEO stated that at the recent ICC Development and Women’s Committee meetings they noted the impressive performances of the West Indies in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Bangladesh last year and the team’s success against India recently in their Twenty20 and One-Day International series at home.
Lorgat also praised West Indies all-rounder Stafanie Taylor who was crowned ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2011 – the first time a player outside of England, New Zealand, India and Australia won the prestigious award.
Taylor is currently ranked number one in the world among all-rounders and also tops the list among batters.
The West Indies female program has been boosted in recent years by the consistent hosting of regional tournaments, increased overseas tours, preparation camps prior to series and giving retainer contracts to the top players.
In 2010, the WICB signed six female players for the first time on retainer contracts, while last year two more received contracts.
The West Indies women’s team further enhanced their reputation by crushing India in a One-Day International and Twenty20 series recently in the Caribbean.
