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ST JOHN’S, Antigua -- Newly appointed chief executive officer of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Michael Muirhead has sent formal congratulations to the West Indies team on their recent triumph in the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

“I wish to congratulate captain Darren Sammy, head coach Ottis Gibson and team manager Richie Richardson along with all the players and members of the team management on their historic triumph which has brought joy, pride and boundless excitement to the people of the Caribbean,” Muirhead said on his first official day of work in Antigua.

“The victory in the final was a thrilling one but it was achieved, clearly, on the back of rigorous preparation, astute planning and sustained and consistent performances when it mattered most,” Muirhead said.

“I am honoured to be entering West Indies cricket at a time when the region is enthused about the game and the prospects. I am thankful to the team and the WICB Board and Management which have all worked on ensuring that the fundamentals for this triumph were in place, even if ahead of the projected strategic target,” Muirhead added.

The WICB in its five year Strategic Plan 2011-2016 had set as a specific target winning the ICC World T20 Tournament in 2014.

“Now that through the outstanding work of the players and the team management we are ahead of our goals we will need to review and readjust and look to retain the title in 2014, even as we are cognizant that the other cricketing powerhouses will be leaving nothing to chance as they too prepare,” Muirhead outlined.

“I wish to also commend Captain Merissa Aguilleira and her team, head coach Sherwin Campbell and the members of the team management of the West Indies Women’s Team for their representation of the West Indies region in the Women’s World Twenty20,” he noted.

“While our Women’s team did not win the title, it is clear to all that they have made significant advancement in recent years and continue stridently on the development path,” Muirhead said.

“In fact the Windies Women achieved one of the stated WICB key strategic objectives – to finish in the top four of each of the Cricket World Cups and World Twenty20s held between 2011 and 2016,” he said.

“The WICB has also set out as a key target for the Women’s team to win one of these tournaments by 2016 and we will continue to support them with training and resources toward this goal as they prepare for the next global engagement – the Women’s World Cup next year,” Muirhead added.

The West Indies Women’s team made the semi-final of the Women’s World Twenty20 but lost to Australia who went on the claim the title.

Muirhead shared his congratulations and commendations in letters to the two captains and team managers.

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