DARREN Sammy, who led the Windies to two ICC World T20 titles, has joined the Windies Ambassador Programme to help promote the upcoming ICC Women’s World T20.
The sixth edition of the tournament will be played in the Caribbean from Friday 9th to Saturday 24th November, with Stafanie Taylor’s side starting out as defending champions, having won the title alongside Sammy’s men at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 2016.
Sammy, who was captain when the Windies won the title in both Sri Lanka in 2012 and India in 2016, has confirmed that he will make appearances between September and November in the campaigns – called #WatchThis – to spread the word.
“It is an honour and a huge pleasure to join the team for the ICC Women’s World T20. This is going to be a great event for our region and for our women, who have for generations helped to build our communities here in Saint Lucia and across the West Indies. In doing so, they have made an outstanding contribution to our cricket,” said Sammy in a statement.
Women’s cricket has been on the rise in recent times, with the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017 achieving great success in terms of audience numbers.
“This tournament will also go a long way to boost women’s cricket,” added Sammy. “The sport is on the rise and we want to see it grow even more when the tournament comes to our doorsteps. As a proud son of the soil, I just want to play my part in this wonderful campaign called #WatchThis as we prepare to host the cricketing world.
“Of course I will be on the side of Stafanie and the Windies team as they seek to defend their title, but we also welcome the nine other teams and wish them the very best. I am urging everyone to come on board and join us for 23 exciting matches at these three amazing venues.”
Sammy, in his role as an ambassador, is expected to be part of community activities and photo sessions at venues, and also make appearances with the players occasionally. He is also likely to be a regular presence at the Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia named after him to welcome and meet players and fans during matches.
Tournament Director Jennifer Nero said Sammy’s inclusion in the programme “Will add value to the campaign and will serve as a catalyst to mobilize fans to attend the matches in all three countries”.