Fresh leadership needed for WI cricket

The recent dismal performance of the West Indies cricket team in England is not just a bitter disappointment; it was ignominious. Our once-proud cricketing legacy has been reduced yet again to a shadow of its former, world-beating self, and the responsibility for this decline lies squarely at the feet of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and its leadership.

There is no ‘bare cupboard of talent’ trope to rely on, not when our finest cricketers are being snapped up from San Francisco to Sydney to play franchise cricket, putting themselves as far as possible from  West Indies cricket administration

For seven long years, Johnny Grave has held the position of CEO at CWI. During his tenure, we have witnessed a steep decline in our Test cricket performance, culminating in the recent humiliating series loss to England. The contrast between our current state and the victorious team that defended “Fortress West Indies” against England just two years ago is stark and alarming.

Under Grave’s leadership, CWI has failed to address the fundamental issues plaguing West Indies cricket. The lack of proper team preparation, inadequate player development, and the exodus of talented players to white-ball cricket are all symptoms of a deeper malaise within our cricketing structure.

But it is this year’s tour of England that tops the bill of particulars in the indictment of Grave’s management and tour negotiation skills. Our players were woefully underprepared, with only a week of training at Tonbridge School and a brief three-day game against teenagers. This is a far cry from the extensive preparation needed to compete at the highest level of Test cricket.

Moreover, the inability to retain key players like Shai Hope for Test cricket, losing them instead to the allure of white-ball formats, speaks volumes about the lack of vision and strategic planning at CWI. The absence of a robust development system and the failure to nurture young talent have left our Test team vulnerable and inconsistent.

While Grave and his managerial team at Coolidge, Antigua, have been busy making cosmetic changes in communications personnel, the core issues affecting our cricket remained unaddressed. We need leadership that understands the rich history and unique challenges of West Indies cricket.

We also hold President Kishore Shallow equally accountable for his underwhelming leadership. Grave who was kept through the calamitous regimes of Ricky Skerrit and Dave Cameron was retained by Dr Shallow. All that we have to show for this era is the governing body’s third name change. New wine, same old wineskin.

We need a homegrown office with a vested interest in reviving West Indies cricket, someone who understands our cricketing culture and can inspire the next generation of players. If such talent is not readily available, then it’s high time we invest in nurturing it.

And we must bring to an end the endless parade of amateur administrators and part-timers who run our game’s governing body, forever refusing to submit themselves to the scrutiny of press, public and political leadership. CLR James was right: “What do they know of cricket who only cricket know?”

The legacy of Garfield Sobers, of Weekes, Walcott and Worrell, of Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards, of Marshall, Garner, Holding and Croft, and of countless other West Indian cricketing legends deserves better. Our cricket is not just a sport; it’s a vital part of our cultural identity, regional pride and economic value.

CWI President Shallow and CEO Grave must go. Seven years of even more steep decline is more than enough. It’s time to rally ‘round the West Indies in deed, not merely in song. We need leadership that can restore our cricket to its former glory and ensure that the talent-rich Caribbean continues to produce world-class cricketers who can excel in all formats of the game.

Shallow-Grave may be the final resting place of a game that was more than sport for millions of Caribbean people unless action is taken. In the name of all that is good in our glorious game, it’s time for change.