Trinidad and Tobago’s cricketers were lauded by several politicians despite losing to the New South Wales Blues in yesterday’s Champions League Twenty/20 final at Hyderabad, India.

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday heaped praise on the team, describing them as the perfect example of the heights of excellence which our people are capable of.

’Daren Ganga’s men have lifted the flag of this country high and restored great pride to our nation,’ Panday said.

He, however, chastised the Government for its hypocrisy in suddenly supporting the team after the money woes Ganga’s men suffered.

’I want the Prime Minister to know that the captain of the team had to beg for time away from his job to represent his country in India, and to do so without pay from the State-owned Petrotrin where he is employed,’ Panday said.

With the news of the near victory circulating throughout the world, Panday advised the Government to increase the sporting programmes in schools and in communities.

Congress of the People leader Winston Dookeran also added his congratulations to the team and applauded their ’outstanding performance in the Airtel Champions League’.

’Despite losing the finals against New South Wales, this team under Daren Ganga has made us proud beyond measure and has certainly attained hero status in the minds of Trinbagonians,’ Dookeran said.

Calling the men true ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago, Dookeran said the team had shown the cricketing world who Trinidadians really are.

Jack Warner, MP for Chaguanas West, was in Nigeria during the games. He said even his FIFA colleagues who watched the games with him found it to be one of the most exemplary performances ever.

’You have flown the flag of Trinidad and Tobago with pride and you have shown the billions of cricket fans worldwide that our little country has big things to offer,’ Warner said in a statement.

Warner said the team embodied the true virtues of sportsmanship: always striving for excellence, giving everything they had and putting their best foot forward.

’The result was a near unbeaten streak characterised by confidence, organisation and skill that has lifted the spirit and hopes of cricket fans throughout the Caribbean region,’ Warner said. See Page 62