Letters to the editor
Newsday
Editor: The last Sunday in October is known as Reformation Sunday.
Over 500 years ago, the monk Augustine Martin Luther posted to the Church of Wittenberg, Germany his 95 theses challenging church teachings/policies.
His work eventually led to the Reformation, or the formation of the Protestant Church. He was able to create change.
Several centuries later, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King led a nonviolent campaign for racial equality for African Americans. It took a lot of courage, but Dr King was able to make a difference.
In those days, Australia toured the West Indies for a five-match Test series, which we won 2-1. In 1966, WI visited England and won 3-1.
In those days we had to line up in the wee hours of the morning to watch the West Indies play Test cricket! My best cricket memories are all from Test cricket – till date.
However, during the 1990s and 2000s West Indies cricket began a steady decline which, judging by our position in world cricket, continues unabated even today.
I have predicted that those days when we ruled the cricket world will not return unless we have an intervention. A reformation if you will. But who will lead the charge? Who will be Martin Luther cricket or Rev King of Windies? Who will declare, “I have a dream (cricket)…”?
Well, the buck stops with Cricket West Indies. We need to make our players develop the skills needed to become international cricketers of repute.
Our four-day game followed by Test cricket are the main ways to improve our skills. If a player is not able to take advantage of these two formats, then I am sorry, they cannot represent the West Indies brand.
WI cricket is a brand that has huge monetary value, just like Toyota, Samsung and Manchester United. We need to protect our brand and increase or at least maintain its value. We cannot fight against cricket mines while our players monetize our brand.
Yes, it is our brand, it belongs to the people of the West Indies and we must preserve it, nurture it and develop it. Many people criticize, but few make recommendations for the way forward. In my opinion our decline in performance worsened with growth and focus on T20 cricket – CPL, IPL, BPL and all other pls.
CWI must decide where our priorities lie. To begin with, how do we achieve the goal of being in the top five of world cricket? It starts with dedication, discipline, hard work and loyalty. Who will be the game changer? Who will start the Reform?
TERRENCE KALLOO
WI cricket fan
