Port-of-Spain: Batting legend Brian Lara was among 33 past and present national cricketers honoured by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) at a special ceremony over the weekend.
The award, part of the 50th anniversary of the twin republic`s independence, is the second in weeks for Lara following his entry into cricket`s Hall of Fame.
Other former national players awarded include Phillip Simmons, Mervyn Dillon, Larry Gomes, Bernard Julien, Raphick Jumadeen, Deryck Murray, Rangy Nanan and Augustine Logie, the dazzling batsman of the l980s and l990s.
Among current national players recognised were Dwayne Bravo, Dave Mohammed, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul and Lendl Simmons.
"We have noted the socio economic and political development of our country since independence and we are proud that we were able to contribute to the process," said president of the TTCB, Azim Bassarath addressing the awards ceremony at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Port of Spain.
Delivering the keynote address at the awards function, former West Indies fast bowler Sir Reverend Wes Hall said cricket has played a significant role in forging the independence and identity of Caribbean nations over the past 50 years.
"Please be aware that when we talk of West Indian cricket as a development tool to our people, we are speaking of the importance of cricket to something bigger than ourselves," said Hall, the former West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, October 02, 2012, 12:04