I am extremely disappointed, embarrassed, upset and outraged that our once great West Indies cricket team, now known as Cricket West Indies, has been unceremoniously kicked out of the T20 World Cup qualifiers by two teams from hitherto unknown, Scotland and Ireland, consisting mainly of part-time cricketers. Our team was outmatched, outmatched, mistreated, badly beaten and ignominiously dumped.
Our cricketers are a reflection of the various regional/territorial boards, which are managed by people who leave a lot to be desired. They neither inspire nor inspire confidence.
Take the TTCB (Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board) for example. There are serious allegations of corruption, nepotism, favoritism, misconduct and serial (unmentionable), manipulation, “who-knows-who contacts” that deserve players not to be favored or disfavored, rather than players who fall/ below any or all objective standards. giving them a chance to play against those who more than deserve a chance. This has been going on for far too long and absolutely nothing is being done about it, except whitewashing and unacceptable excuses.
The point is that the government of Trinidad and Tobago subsidizes the TTCB every year, and it’s time for something drastic to happen. We must produce players of class, quality, determination, determination, application, etc., equal to or better than their illustrious counterparts of the fame and adoration of the West Indian cricketers. If you were to ask the average person to name the various members of the CWI team over the past three years, most people would struggle to name a team because they are like a “flash in the pan”; they come and go with alarming frequency. Ask the same person to name our cricketers of the past and the names will rattle.
A broad-based commission of inquiry? Those in charge, from the “captain to the cook”, should hang their heads in shame. If they had any decency they would resign immediately (not resign themselves). Cricket is a much loved sport of West Indies and we have produced some of the best world class cricketers. They have put us on the world map. Should I name them? The list of our distinguished players from the past is very long and I’m sure the list will be sensitive to editorial discretion, which will be deleted.
One of my distinguished colleagues, the late Sonny Maharaj, SC, used to refer to people like those at the TTCB’s helm as people who “have no brains”. He has been proven right. Shame on you cricket administrators.
I appeal to all cricket lovers, Sports Minister, Government, CWI and general public to do something positive about TTCB immediately, and West Indian cricket as a whole.
The CWI must suspend the playing of all international matches until and unless all corrective actions (psychological, mental, counseling, physical, technical, technical, etc.) are followed to the end and implemented without compromise.
It’s pointless parroting that we have talented players, but where is the talent when it matters? Shimron Hetmyer is a talented classical cricketer but “no brains”; if there is, where is it?… just like those who are in charge of TTCB.
Seenath Jairam, SC
