Aguilleira ready to embark on a new journey

FORMER West Indies women team cricket captain Merissa Aguilleira is ready to embark on a new journey, after she has hung up her bat and gloves, at the international level. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman made this announcement at a TT Cricket Board (TTCB) function, at the TTCB headquarters, National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva, on Wednesday evening, hours after the Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced her retirement from the international circuit.“Don’t feel sad for me, because I’m happy,” said Aguilleira. “One chapter has finished and I’m going to start another chapter.” Aguilleira, a devout Christian, acknowledged, “I know that God has called on me for a divine purpose on this earth, and I know that my voice will be heard.” She continued, “I have started something with my sponsor Atlantic LNG. They have built a platform for me to inspire the younger generation.” Aguilleira said, “I am here on a mission to take women’s cricket to the next level. I am willing and able to represent West Indies cricket outside of the field.” Ex-WI player and current women’s team manager Ann Browne-John, from a prepared speech, outlined Aguilleira’s career, which started in 2001 at age 16.Aguilleira made her TT debut in 2005 and became team captain in 2007. “She is presently the longest serving TT captain ever, serving for 12 years,” said Browne-John. Aguilleira was appointed as WI captain in 2009, a year after her international debut, and led the team until 2015 when she was replaced by Jamaican all-rounder Stafanie Taylor. The easy-going Aguilleira is also a sports ambassador for Atlantic LNG, an executive member of the TT Women’s Cricket Association and president of Phoenix Cricket Club (where she has been a member since 2001). Also speaking at the function was Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt, who indicated that the regional governing body intends to invest in women’s cricket. Skerritt revealed that Aguilleira sent her retirement letter to the CWI last week. He said that more could be done to acknowledge retiring players, who served West Indies cricket with distinction. Other speakers were TTCB president Azim Bassarath and Member of Parliament for Couva South Rudranath Indarsingh, who both saluted Aguilleira for her contributions to the regional game.