Honorary Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Anand Sanasie has listed several areas that he would like to target in his bid to become Cricket West Indies president.
Sanasie, who only confirmed his intention to run for the post in next month’s election recently, released a statement outlining some of the areas he would like to focus on if elected.
At the forefront of his plans is the recognition that the performances of the senior team is one of the central pillars.
“The performance of the West Indies team serves as a barometer for the state of West Indies Cricket and as the only constant in Regional psyche, and as such is one of the central pillars,” he reasoned.
The West Demerara Cricket Association President noted that strengthening Regional Cricket will need greater investment from CWI and said that he will implement a system of greater sponsorship share and larger annual subvention to each territorial board.
The statement also indicated that revolutionizing grassroots cricket will be at the head of plans.
He feels that there is need for renewed focus, revitalization and a revolution in grassroots and school cricket across the Caribbean.
Additionally, Sanasie, a Director of CWI for the past decade, said: “Over the past two years there has been a systematic centralization of power and decision making and the ostracization of power and miniaturization of the territorial boards.”
With over two decades of cricket administration under his belt, Sanasie pointed out that heavier emphasis will be placed on the development of women’s cricket in areas such as training, competitions, camps and succession planning.
“The West Indies Women’s team must be consistently among the best in the world and we will ensure there is a comprehensive strategic measurable programme in place to achieve this,” he declared.
Sanasie reasoned that cricket globally is in the throes of rapid transformation from the perception of a lethargic past time to a high energy, desirable entertainment.
He suggested that there must also be a venture into the North American market and this requires a strategic approach.
“It is now time for the executive leadership and governance of Cricket West Indies to transition from raw political horse trading and a centralized hoarding of power to professional, visionary and astute policy making based on equity, transparency, fairness and demonstrable competence,” the statement expressed.
Sanasie promised that along with his running mate, Calvin Hope, he will bring these attributes to the table and offer to serve the people of the Caribbean.
“We believe that our record and reputation of service and dedication to West Indies Cricket from the grassroots to the boardroom will stand us in good stead and we look forward to the support of the territorial boards. We give our solemn commitment to serve with fairness, integrity and inclusivity of the players and officials, the territorial boards, governments and the people of the Caribbean,” he said.
On a lighter note, the CWI director reflected on his build up to deciding to run for the position, stating “Like so many millions of people in the Caribbean, my love and passion for West Indies cricket has been lifelong. It was this love and passion which drove me into becoming a servant of the game through cricket administration. Over the past year several directors of CWI along with many stakeholders across the region have reached out to me and sought to persuade me that I should consider serving as CWI President. Over the past months I have given it deep thought and consideration, discussed it with my family and the executives of the Guyana Cricket Board and I consider it a distinct honour to announce that I will be contesting the CWI presidency.”
