(CMC) – Cricket West Indies president, Dr. Kishore Shallow, said yesterday it was important to confront the challenges facing the regional game with “honesty and resolve”, while using the current moment of difficulty as a time of “introspection and recalibration”.
In a statement to mark the centennial birthday of the West Indies’ first black Test captain, Sir Frank Worrell, Shallow also said the approach to governance of the game needed to reflect the transformational leadership that had characterised the West Indies icon’s stellar legacy.
“As we honour Sir Frank Worrell’s centennial, we must also confront our current realities with honesty and resolve,” said Shallow, who assumed the reins of the regional governing body last year.
“We acknowledge that West Indian fans are not at their proudest moment regarding our teams’ performance. This is a time of introspection and recalibration, a time for purposeful collaboration as we trust the process of change.
“Our commitment to transformation in pursuit of excellence must be evident. The continuous call for improved governance must be observed.
“Similarly, we must embrace innovation and creativity to strengthen our cricket systems, including coaching and selections.
“In a climate and industry where adversities are ever-present and the odds are stacked against us, prudency in every aspect must be the order of the day.”
Referring to Sir Frank’s legacy as a “guiding light”, Shallow urged the cricket fraternity to rally behind the principles that had underpinned the Barbadian’s life and career.
He also underscored the value of education in cricket development, stressing that the stories of the region’s legends needed to be used to “inspire future generations.”
“Education must remain at the heart of our vision,” Shallow said.
“A critical component of advancing West Indies cricket is for our young cricketers to learn about the history of the Caribbean, cricket being a subject of paramount importance. The legacy of legends like Sir Frank must be shared in all forms possible to inspire future generations.
“Sir Frank Worrell’s legacy is a guiding light, a testament to what can be achieved when we dare to dream and work together. As we celebrate his life and contributions, let us recommit ourselves to the principles he stood for – unity, excellence, and an unwavering pursuit of progress.
“His story is our story, and as we move forward, let us carry his spirit with us, striving to build a future worthy of his legacy.”
Born on August 1, 1924, Sir Frank made his debut in 1948 before going on to lead West Indies in 15 of his 51 Tests, including the now famous Tied Test at the Gabba in 1960, and is credited with having ushered in a new era of leadership in West Indies cricket.
He was a member of the legendary Three ‘Ws’ – alongside fellow Barbadians Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes – forming a star-studded side of the 1950s and 60s that featured the likes of the incomparable Sir Garry Sobers and Rohan Kanhai.
“Sir Frank’s tenure as captain was more than a chapter in a cricketing saga; it was a pivotal moment in our region’s social and cultural renaissance,” Shallow said.
“Under his stewardship, the West Indies team became a symbol of possibility, a manifestation of our collective dreams and aspirations. His ability to bring together players from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive, formidable unit taught us that, as a people, unity is our greatest strength.”