Sale of St. Lucia Zouks to Philadelphia-based businessman finalized

The sale of the St. Lucia Zouks has been finalized with American businessman Jignesh Pandya completing the takeover of the Caribbean Premier League. While this news would certainly come as a shock to those associated with the team, it seems quite clear that a few are certainly happy and pleased with the takeover. One of these players includes former West Indies skipper Darren Sammy.

Apart from leading the Windies to the title on two separate occasions, it seems quite clear that 34-year old is pleased with the new owner.  “It is very positive. They say good things come to those that wait. I think it is a good partnership, I met Mr. Pandya for the first time and when he walked in the room I could just feel the positive energy he brings.

“Any successful businessman must have a good model and a good work ethic. And it is the same in cricket, you must be dedicated in your field, and wanting to work hard to bring you success. For us cricketers and for our country St Lucia, if he can bring those sort of investments and create the jobs are young people are crying for it is going to be massive.”

Speaking about his removal from the squad, Sammy said, “I am still on a high, I refuse to let people dictate my mood. That has always been my strongest asset. It is disappointing, to win a World Cup and you have not played international cricket [since]. To remove the winning the World Cup coach, it is just as a mess.”

Also read – We are excited to do what no other NZ side has done before: Tim Southee

“I could tell that because I have been part of that setup. It is sad, the current situation is very sad, but it is something that I am at peace with. I just hope that our youngsters, we don’t burden them by the decision making on top. You have two young captains in Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite, and they must be under some serious pressure because I have been through it and it is not an easy job. But hopefully some better decisions will be made and the one format that we are able to put smiles on people’s faces is the T20 format.”

Sammy however, added that he was more focused on doing what was necessary for the team. “It is what it is, honestly, I am at peace. I am not about fighting it anymore. I am just focused on where ever my services are needed, right now that is franchise cricket. Since I was sacked, I have come [to the UK] and captained a World XI in a charity game. I have been named the captain of Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League. I am going to the Bangladesh Premier League, I am captaining Rajshahi Kings, I am still captain of the St Lucia Zouks. I refuse to let them take away what I could do on a cricket field and I am still enjoying playing cricket on the whole – whether that be for franchises, and like I said I am not retired, I am still available for selection if [West Indies Cricket Board] see it fit.”

“Put that me on that podium again and I will do it even better. I believe a man has to speak his heart, it was emotional but a very proud moment for me. I have always been one who has been calm and just absorbed. I have absorbed a lot of pressure. It was just an extension of what my team went through flowing through me. And if I have to do it again I will do it better.”

Also read – Bangladesh v England, 2nd Test, Day 1 – Statistical Highlights