Shallow stands by Sammy

Despite the West Indies’ humiliating 3-0 Test series sweep at the hands of Australia, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr Kishore Shallow is standing firmly behind new head coach Daren Sammy, even as calls mount for his removal following the team’s dismal showing with the bat and a historic 27 all out in the final Test at Sabina Park.

Shallow spoke passionately on the Mason & Guests show as he dismissed the criticism directed at Sammy as not only premature but rooted in long-standing regional biases, particularly because the coach hails from the smaller island of Saint Lucia.

“Daren continues to get unfair criticism because he is from a small island. Some people run from that fact, but I won’t. Insularity is something that still exists in our system that I believe we need to get rid of. Some of our former greats mentioned that in some of the texts that they have put out over the years. So we can’t run from that,” Shallow declared.

Sammy, a two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain, was only appointed Test coach in April, as he replaced Andre Coley—under whose tenure the West Indies drew series away to Australia last year and also against Pakistan earlier this year. While many, including former captain Carl Hooper, have argued that Coley was beginning to turn the team around, Shallow believes it is too early, and unfair, to judge Sammy based on one series.

“When you unfairly criticise Daren Sammy, calling for his head after his very first Test series, despite seeing improvements in the team’s bowling, it could only be insularity,” Shallow continued.

Asked directly if he stood by the claim that regional bias was the true reason for the backlash, Shallow did not hesitate.

“I will repeat it if you want. Daren Sammy, the head coach of the West Indies team, is being unfairly criticised because he is Saint Lucian. And you can challenge me on this because if you look at Daren Sammy’s record when he was captain of the team, he was criticised unfairly. Now that he is coach, it is the same thing. How else could you explain calling for the coach’s head after his first Test series?” he said.

West Indies’ struggles in the series, particularly their inability to produce competitive totals with the bat—culminating in the team’s lowest ever total—have fuelled frustrations among fans and pundits alike. But Shallow believes the performances of bowlers such as Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Justin Greaves, who made notable gains in the ICC Test rankings, are signs that progress is being made under Sammy’s guidance.

Still, the questions will continue, especially with a two-Test series against India looming on the horizon. Prior to his comments on the Mason & Guests show, Shallow urged patience and unity.

“We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world. Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us, but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves,” Shallow said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve. Now is not the time to turn away. Now is the time to stand even closer as a people. These are the moments that shape us,” he added. (Sportsmax)