KINGSTON:

The West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) has expressed sadness at the passing of former Jamaica and West Indies cricketer Basil 'Shotgun' Williams.

Williams died on Sunday in Atlanta in the United States after suffering a heart attack. He was 65.

In a release, WIPA said it "is saddened by the passing of former West Indies and Jamaican cricketer Basil 'Shotgun' Williams.

"WIPA would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and the greater cricketing community across the Caribbean."

It added: "Alvadon Basil Williams was one of the elite few players to score a century on debut. He had a healthy Test average of 39.08 and an average of 36.02 in the regional first-class game."

WIPA's President and CEO Wavell Hinds, on learning of Williams' passing, said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Williams. I wish to send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends and to the Jamaican and West Indian cricket community."