Cricket West Indies has been awarded the 2020 'Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award' by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in conjunction with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
The West Indies cricket board was honored for their courage in sending both their Men’s and Women’s teams to tour England in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused a lot of disruption not only to the international cricketing calendar but to everyday life across the world.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, England and Wales Cricket Board had decided to resume international cricketing actions by hosting West Indies in a Test series in August 2020 and then the West Indies women's team led by Stafanie Taylor for a five-match T20 International series in September.
The official statement reads: “The award singles out Cricket West Indies for their efforts, but both MCC and the BBC would like to place on record their admiration for the Pakistan Cricket Board, Cricket Ireland and Cricket Australia for overcoming logistical challenges to send their Men’s teams to play England.”
Meanwhile, MCC president Kumar Sangakkara stated: “In a year when cricket has brought us much solace, it is entirely fitting that Cricket West Indies and their men's and women's teams should be recognized for the courage of their decision to tour England, an act which truly embodies the Spirit of Cricket.”
The legendary cricketer further added, “The whole cricketing world appreciates the lengths that both they and the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) went to so that cricket could be played at the height of the pandemic, and their contribution should be remembered warmly.”
Noteworthy, this award was created in 2013 by MCC and the BBC in memory of former MCC President and BBC Test Match Special commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins (“CMJ”), who was passionate about promoting the spirit of the game.
(With MCC’s official website Inputs)
