MUMBAI, India, CMC – Former Test captain Dilip Vengsarkar believes the decision by West Indies players to abandon their one-day tour of India was an insult to Indian fans, and says the team should be made to answer for its actions.
The outstanding former India batsman was one of several in the local fraternity here voicing their disapproval over the stance taken by the West Indies one-day team.
“Their cricket, administration and performance on the field, is at its lowest ebb. It can’t get worse really,” said the 58-year-old, who played 116 Tests.
“I would say it is extremely poor to put it mildly and very detrimental to the image of the game. This West Indies team has brought disrepute to the game, mocked at the Indians fans. They should be taken to task for this unpardonable behaviour.
“I am sure the West Indies will have a lot to answer if India takes the case to the ICC.”
In an unprecedented move, West Indies players walked out of the tour following the fourth One-Day International in Dharamsala last Friday, after failing to find resolution with their union, WIPA, over a pay and contracts dispute.
Vengsarkar said the latest controversy characterized how far West Indies had fallen from their glory days.
“Their brand of cricket was unique. They had such natural instincts and attracted people with their classy shows. I feel sad at the West Indies’ decline,” he said.
Another former Test batsman Anshuman Gaekwad, who endured some tough battles against the halcyon West Indies teams of the 19870s and 80s, said West Indies’ decline was of their own making.
“It was the most popular cricket team in the world. And also the strongest. It was an honour to do well against the West Indies but the decline of today’s team is self-inflicted,” said the 62-year-old who played 40 Tests.
“Priorities have obviously changed and charisma has gone out of their cricket.”