Aguilleira plans to influence future women cricketers

FORMER WEST Indies women’s cricket team captain Merissa Aguilleira plans to take an influential role in the development of budding players.

The 33-year-old ex-WI wicketkeeper/batsman retired from the game, at the international level, last Wednesday.

During an interview, at the TTCB (TT Cricket Board) headquarters, National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva on Wednesday evening, Aguilleira said, “Women’s cricket is developing rapidly and, right now, we’re in a perfect position to make sure that we mentor the younger ones, to make sure that we have a good (crop) of players coming up.”

She continued, “Most likely we may hear about a World Cup (for) Under-19 players. That is something that we need to look at. We have to make sure and keep up with the pace.”

Aguilleira is an executive member of the TT Women’s Cricket Association and president of Phoenix Cricket Club, where she has been a member since 2001.

Asked if she sees a woman serving as CWI (Cricket West Indies) president one day, Aguilleira replied, “That’s a tough question. Right now, (CWI president Ricky) Skerritt is a man on a mission.

“I think he has some good ideas and he’s all about cricket and not himself, which I think is most important. He has given people the responsibility to get the job done. I think we’re in good hands.”

She also plans to continue her work as a sports ambassador for Atlantic LNG.

“I’ve been one of the ambassadors for quite a while now,” said the long-serving TT team captain. “They have given me the platform that I needed to inspire the next generation.

“Also, in line of my book drive (referring to her ‘Back to School’ foundation), they are fully in support of my initiatives. I want to thank them for all the work that they have put in to me so far. I know they’re going to continue.”

Aguilleira’s retirement came less than a week after she was excluded from a 14-member West Indies team for a tour of Ireland and England, from May 21 to June 26.

She insists that she planned to retire before the WI team was selected.

“I made that decision long before,” said the ex-WI captain. “For the past six months, I’ve been debating if to keep going or if I should stop. After the regional tournament (in Guyana) I said ‘Merissa, I think it’s about time you give it up now and focus on different things.’”

Asked if she plans to start a family soon, Aguilleira responded, “Yes, I’m looking forward to having a family of my own because I think it’s really important.”

However, she does not see herself taking up a media role, at least not in the foreseeable future.

She said, “A lot of people have tried to talk me into that arena but I’m still thinking about it because, for me, it’s all about the development of West Indies cricket and I don’t think I would give much if I concentrate on being a commentator.”