U-19 duo pleased with World Cup conquest

U-19 duo pleased with World Cup conquest
By JOEL BAILEY Thursday, February 18 2016

JYD GOO LIE and Kirstan Kallicharan, the Trinidad and Tobago duo who were part of the West Indies team who captured the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, were noticeably pleased upon their return home yesterday morning.

At a welcome ceremony at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport, Goolie said, “for me, making the World Cup team was a nice thing. As a young boy, me and my dad we were always talking about being a world-class player and I wanted to be on a West Indies Under-19 team from ever since.

The leg-spinning all-rounder added, “winning the World Cup was a great feeling. Every game I was really nervous, with anxiety.

Coming out victorious was very nice. Meeting new people, everything was different up there.” Kallicharan, who played a handful of matches in the preliminary round of the monthlong tournament, pointed out, “firstly, getting picked on the West Indies Under-19 team was a big accomplishment for both of us. For those who (were) not in this (team) — Keegan Simmons and Akil Seetal (part of the training camp), it was a great accomplishment for them to, for being around us.

“Going (to) Bangladesh, it was tough for me because being the youngest player, it’s not as easy as you think it is,” added the right-handed batsman. “It was just a great experience learning a lot of things.

“Bangladesh is a completely different thing from the Caribbean — the food, the people, everything. I just want to say thanks for the support — family, friends, the Cricket Board and everybody else who supported us. Without you all, it would not have been possible.” Welcoming the players home was Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith.

“The people of the West Indies have been waiting for some form of silverware,” he said. “It’s really remarkable that we had two of you all on the squad.

Smith noted, “I’m pleading with the West Indies (Cricket Board) to ensure that this team stays together. We’re on to something good, something positive.

“I want to commend the parents.

I know how it is, the sacrifice, the time and the money to ensure that the guys are in training (and) have their gear.” Smith also conveyed a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

The Sports Minister said to the pair, “keep the West Indies flag flying high. It needs to be raised. Keep (the) Trinidad and Tobago flag flying as high as you’ll have, you’ve really done us proud.

“Stay focused on your school, because school is a major part of it as well,” Smith added. “We want you all to be very balanced with regards to your future.” Also speaking at the morning’s function was former TT and WI opener Suruj Ragoonath, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the TT Cricket Board.