Difficult to see the brighter side of WI cricket but we must

The current state of West Indies cricket, once a shining example of regional pride and global dominance, is facing a turbulent crossroads. Recent revelations by Chris Dehring, the chief executive officer of Cricket West Indies (CWI), have highlighted not only the financial difficulties plaguing the regional governing body but also the hard choices that have had to be made.

Among those choices was the removal of developmental teams Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and the West Indies Academy from upcoming professional regional tournaments.

This decision, while difficult, is a clear indication of the challenging financial pitch on which West Indies cricket now has to bat. The CCC and the academy were crucial platforms for nurturing young talent, providing a pathway for emerging cricketers to make their mark. Thus, their exclusion from both the 2025 CG United Super50 tournament and the 2026 four-day first-class competition represents a painful point.

Dehring’s frank admission at a recent press conference in Antigua about the board’s revenues, though bolstered from the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup hosted in the region, reveals they are still not sufficient to sustain continued development of the sport. The financial model, which is heavily dependent on hosting big tours by powerhouses India and England, means that tours by other teams represented a drain.

Next year, West Indies will host Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan and this presents a predicament. Unlike India or England tours, these do not generate enough income from broadcast rights or ticket sales to be profitable.

Dehring stressed, however, that these tours must be hosted as part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Programme and they are non-negotiable.

One of the casualties of the WI financial state has been the reduction in tournaments. The upcoming CG United Super50 tournament in November will feature only six teams, a marked departure from the past when developmental teams were included.

It is a dilemma that Dehring and his leadership team say they are acutely aware of.

He emphasised the need for a long-term vision and executing plans that line up with the state of WI board finances.

West Indies cricket’s problems are not just short-term financial issues; fans are beginning to lose faith in the team’s ability to bounce back with every loss to a lower ranking opponent.

The problems are symptomatic of deeper structural issues that have haunted the regional game. They include inconsistent governance, legal conflicts between players and the board, underinvestment in grassroots cricket development, and a fractured domestic system.

The regional cricket structure, while unique and rich in diversity, faces the inherent difficulty of managing and uniting six distinct territories under a single cricketing umbrella. This requires a strong administration and the financial backing to maintain a sustainable system.

Moreover, the cricketing landscape is evolving rapidly. Broadcast rights, sponsorships, and commercial partnerships now dominate revenue streams in ways not thought of in the past. Sponsors are demanding positive results that enhance their brand. West Indies cricket must adapt quickly to these changing dynamics and not rely so heavily on big tours.

The fact remains that the big names like India, England, and Australia want competitive games when they tour the Caribbean and fans want a reason to fill the stadiums.

The path forward demands collective action from the CWI board, governments, sponsors, and fans alike. Greater financial transparency is required, in addition to innovative strategies to raise revenue and a plan to be competitive on the field.

The cricketing community in Barbados and the region has thrived on passion. Today, that quality is being tested constantly with fans asking, “Where’s the passion in the players and the CWI board?”

West Indies cricket stands at a critical juncture that demands honesty, vision, and decisive action. The financial challenges are real and pressing, forcing tough decisions. We still believe in the legacy of West Indies cricket and the hope that it will rise again.

Embracing change will be critical. Batting with confidence on a new pitch, seeking to reclaim our place at the top of the sport is still achievable. We must simply be prepared to rally behind this mission, no matter how challenging it may seem.