Australia’s Zouks-bound duo for this year’s HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Michael Hussey and Shane Watson, have sent messages of congratulations to West Indies team captain Darren Sammy following the announcement that the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St Lucia will be renamed as the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.
Michael Hussey, who averaged 37.94 in 38 T20 internationals for Australia and who is one of the most respected and charismatic leaders in world cricket, said: “To win a world title for your country is the ultimate accolade and I would like to offer my congratulations to fellow Zouks man Darren Sammy, coach Phil Simmons and the West Indies team on their win last weekend in the ICC World T20.
“With the government now marking this historic achievement with the re-naming of the Beausejour Cricket Ground, it indicates once more to the world the high love and esteem that the West Indies has for their local heroes. Congrats to Darren on this incredible accolade in his home nation.
“It is clear to see that West Indies cricket is on the ascendancy, after the performances of the Under-19’s and Women’s teams, and they are to be commended for their performances over the last few weeks. I just can’t wait to be a part of the action this summer with the Zouks. It promises to be the biggest and best CPL yet!”
Shane Watson, who was named in the ICC T20 Team of the Tournament and retired from the international arena as the number one all-rounder in the T20 rankings after a string of outstanding displays for Australia, added: “I knew when I first signed up for CPL how passionate the West Indies public are, but to receive this news about the St Lucia government’s decision to re-name the national stadium in honor of one of their favorite sporting sons is a huge thing, especially for someone so young who has so much top level cricket ahead of him.
“Darren is a great leader and a true champion in all regards, and I know how passionate he is about the Zouks. He deserves this accolade for the manner he has led the West Indies team and this is an honor for all time. It really excites me about being a part of CPL 2016 and I can’t wait to step out on the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium this summer.”
Tickets for the confirmed CPL 2016 fixtures in Central Broward Stadium, Fort Lauderdale and St Kitts & Nevis will go on sale this Friday from www.cplt20.com