ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, today praised the West Indies and ICC staff for the staging of a highly successful and memorable ICC World Twenty20 which concluded on Sunday with victories for England’s men and Australia’s women in Kensington Oval, Barbados.

After the conclusion of the event, Mr Lorgat said: “I think everyone would agree that the best teams in the men’s and women’s ICC World twenty20s reached the finals. Congratulations go to Paul Collingwood’s England and Alex Blackwell’s Australia. They are deserved winners of an exceptional event.

“A lot of praise for the operational success of the tournament must go to the West Indies Cricket Board, the ICC World Twenty20 2010 organising committee and the ICC staff who delivered an outstanding event which will long be remembered. For me this was a truly memorable event which showcased the unique culture and passion for cricket in the Caribbean.

“We recognised the need to involve all the local people and we were thrilled by their turnout and enthusiastic support. I think everyone will agree that their colourful participation contributed much to the success of the tournament. We invited the Caribbean people to ‘Bring It’ and they certainly did just that. The ICC is grateful to all those who attended the matches and the hundreds of millions who watched on television.”

Mr Lorgat concluded: “We are also grateful to our broadcast and commercial partners, our match officials, the many volunteers in Guyana, Barbados, St Lucia and St Kitts, and, of course, the media for their support and contribution to the success of ICC World Twenty20 2010 West Indies.”

For more information on this event go to www.iccevents.yahoo.com.