West Indies have become the first team to win the World T20 title twice. On Sunday, they managed the feat with a 4 wicket victory over 2009 champions England.
On the face of it, it’s 6 matches and 5 victories that got Darren Sammy’s team to the victor’s podium. However, as the skipper’s post-match interview is evidence, their journey has been a lot harder, with a lot many adversaries, within.
Never one to mince words, Sammy launched a scathing attack on the West Indies Cricket Board right after being handed his victor’s medal. Saying the team had not even heard from the administrators, the skipper once again brought the focus on the ongoing tussle between the players and the WICB, that even saw a few of his team-members pull out of the tournament.
People were wondering if we would play this tournament, we had issues with the board, Mark Nicholas called us ‘players with no brain’. But all of us came together, these 15 men put adversity aside and played this type of cricket in front of such passionate fans. It was tremendous. I want to thank the coaching team, Phil Simmons. Nobody gave us a chance, every game somebody stepped up - good to see Carlos play like that in his debut World Cup.Darren Sammy, West Indies Captain
Sammy also said the team did not even have their jerseys when they landed in Kolkata to start their campaign.
We had a new manager in this tournament in Rawl Lewis. He was doing the job for the first time. He came to Dubai and we know what he did so that we get the jerseys. We did not have the jerseys. Got to give credit to the entire team here. This is for all the fans in the Caribbean. President Mitchell (Keith Mitchell, President of Grenada) send us a inspiring message.Darren Sammy, West Indies Captain
The Windies skipper also took a dig at the board as he is not selected in the 50-over format.
I don’t know when I’m going to be playing for West Indies again, I want to thank my team, thanks my coaching staff. This is for the Champions!Darren Sammy, WI Captain
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