MESSAGES OF SUPPORT continue to come in for the West Indies cricket team which did an unprecedented ICC World T20 double today.
The Women started the party to beat Australia by eight wickets and the men stunned England in the last over to win by four wickets.
It is the first time the T20 trophies have been united under one banner, and represents a historic double after the Under-19s won their World Cup earlier this year.
The West Indies Players Association offered their congratulations to the Men’s team.
“The executive and members of the West Indies Players’ Association would like to extend congratulations to the West Indies Men’s Senior Team on their achievement as the Champions of the ICC World T20 2016 tournament.
The West Indies men took the title for the record second time since the tournament started in 2007. Captain Darren Sammy won the toss for the sixth time in the tournament and sent England into bat, who set a target of 156 runs. The West Indies successfully reached the target in the 20th over.
WIPA President and CEO, Wavell Hinds in congratulating the team said, “Congratulations to the team, the management and support staff for an outstanding performance during this tournament.”
He continued by saying, “West Indies cricket looks to be in a good place after we have captured ICC Under 19 World Cup, Women and Men’s World T20 titles Congratulations again to the West Indies Men’s team and I am sure the entire Caribbean and the diaspora are feeling very proud of these achievements.”
Barbados’ Opposition Leader Mia Mottley praised both sides.
“Today is one of those specials days in our lives!
“Through it all – the tribulations, the doubts – our West Indian men and women lifted the spirits of 6 million people in the region. With the West Indies claiming the under 19 championship, our spirits are soaring!!!
“They reminded us today of our creative genius – it is up to the rest of us to believe that we are truly world class. Resilience, persistence, confidence and team work! And to Carlos Brathwaite – to the very, very end, with the odds against us, your self-confidence, flair and excellence stands for all Barbadians as the ultimate inspiration! Congratulations to young Hayley Matthews. At 18 years old you remind us of why we know that our best days lie ahead of us as Barbadians!
“Yes we truly have – men, women and the young ones!!!
We are the CHAMPIONS!!!
WE ARE THE WEST INDIES!!!”
Across Twitter, other messages also went out.
Now recovered to send my first congratulatory message to d boys very well played! My MOM C.Brathwaite 34 & 3 for 23. S Badree Player of d WC
Champions! pic.twitter.com/Gz7lwNxAxX
We told you we would do it and we did! 3 OUT OF 3 FOR WEST INDIES! Thanking everyone for all of the support given all year around #champions