Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams has written a congratulatory letter to Shivnarine Chanderpaul on his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame.
The 48-year-old was honored by the ICC on Tuesday and his former teammate Adams gave his reaction to the news.
In the letter, Adams said he was “thrilled” for Chanderpaul and stated that he was grateful for the life lessons he learned from the former Guyana and West Indies batsman.
Adams said he remains in awe of what Chanderpaul has done over 20 years in international cricket.
The CWI Director of Cricket stated that he was delighted that Chanderpaul’s outstanding contribution to West Indies cricket had been recognised.
Here is the full text of Adams’ letter:
For Shiv,
It was nearly three decades ago that I got to share a room with a 19-year-old from Guyana who I am proud to say became a great batting partner, roommate, friend and now a member of the ICC Hall of Fame.
I am thrilled that you are getting recognition for all that you have done for cricket in the West Indies and globally. I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who worked harder at their craft, and it’s a testament to that work and sacrifice that even as the team’s fortunes were challenged, you got better and better.
I still remember the first time I heard your name. We were told about this young kid from Guyana, thin as a pencil, not the strongest, but no one could get him out.
When you were picked as a teenager for that England Test in 1994, eyebrows were raised, including mine. I had never seen you play and there was a feeling that you had skipped the queue. Two decades and more than 10,000 Tests later, it’s fair to say, the selectors did well on that occasion.
We were roommates for most of my career from that tour onwards and as well as the trust that was built during that time, it’s fair to say you taught me a lot about both cricket and life in general.
I think the biggest lesson is that there are no excuses. I look at how you got to the top and stayed there as long as you did despite all the challenges you faced. You are a symbol to children from difficult backgrounds that anything, including greatness, is possible. I have spoken to many young people who looked up to you as a role model and believed that “If Shiv can do it, I can.”
I hold you up as an example of what can be – the possibilities that exist. You opened my mind to the fact that if you have a young child who is willing and trying, never put a ceiling on them. We all knew you were talented, but if you had said 10,000 tests in 20 years…!!!! It happened because you adapted and you continued to adapt and you continued to work. If you hit a roadblock, you will ask for help and grow. No one gave you that attitude, it’s something you brought with you everywhere you went. Watching you grow and evolve over the past 30 years has solidified some of my life philosophies about who, when and where to invest my time and energies. Again, I am truly grateful for these lessons.
Your numbers are wild and many people will focus on them. But what resonates with me is firstly how long it took me to reach the international stage and secondly how long it took me to hang around for 10 years. You did it for 20!!! The effort and sacrifice just blows my mind!
It is difficult to determine how big your inheritance is. You started on a winning team, and along with Brian Lara, as the team became less formidable, your personal contributions became greater and greater. It was a reminder that you can rise above the fortunes of any group if you work hard enough. It’s easy to get on the bandwagon of a successful team, but you were able to set extremely high standards and maintain them, even as the rest of the team struggled.
It was amazing to watch, not only the cricket maturing, but also you as a person. From a shy and introverted teenager, you grew up to become a team captain. Where many others have chosen to hide their shortcomings and flaws after their success on the field, you have faced yours from a very young age and invested time in your personal development. Seeing this transformation up close was truly inspiring.
You’ve had so many truly memorable hits over the years that I can struggle to say which, for me, stands above the rest. However, the biggest highlight for me is simply the fact that you “sit at the table” for 20 years!!
Having said that, if I have to pick one, it is impossible not to mention the 69-ball hundred against Australia at your home ground in Guyana. I wasn’t in the team until that point, but I watched it all from a studio in the UK. Innings resonates with me simply because it was proof to me that there was much more to you and your game than the world, and perhaps you, gave yourself credit for.
I am in awe of what you have done in 20 years of international cricket. People will never understand how hard it is. As a stroke partner, you’ve made it easier for all of us. For me, knowing that I had a rock on the other side just took a lot of the pressure off me and allowed me to fully focus on my game. I’m sure many others who had the opportunity to fight with you will say the same.
I hope this award justifies the value of the sacrifices you have made since day one. And I know this award is not just for you. I think of your family – your father and uncles, who were always willing to spend hours with you in those early years. No doubt this award will partially recognize them and the rest of your family.
I know I speak for many fans of the game who will be delighted to have you officially recognized for your outstanding contribution not only to West Indies cricket but to world cricket.
well done my friend
Jimmy
