Dismal West Indies cricket performance requires prompt action

Dear Editor,

In 2013, during the 34th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Govern-ment, Prime Minister of Grenada, The Right Honorable Keith Mitchell MP PC, stated “the need for the West Indies Cricket Board to further democratize its operations and make more transparent its dealings. Cricket, we understand, is a big business; but for us in the region it is even bigger than that. It is a genuine means of cultural expression of our people.”

In 2015, the Final Report of the CARICOM Cricket Review Panel on the Governance of Cricket stated, “The Panel Recommends the Creation of a New Governance and Management Architec-ture for West Indies Cricket” and “In this regard, the Panel strongly recommends the immediate dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board and the appointment of an Interim Board whose structure and composition will be radically different from the now proven, obsolete governance framework”, “The Panel states that this is a fundamental and foundational requirement. These two, key measures are absolutely necessary in order to transform and modernize the governance, management, administration and the playing of the game. All other recommendations depend on these recommendations being implemented.”

Former CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY Chairman, The Honorable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was one of the persons interviewed by the cricket Review Panel. After the most recent embarrassment, series whitewash at home against 9th ranked Bangladesh for Christmas in T20 and continuing a series of disappointment like not qualifying for the 2023 Cricket World Cup nor the 2017 or 2025 ICC Champions trophy, West Indies Cricket should be accountable for disappointing and saddening the millions of home based and away supporters.

Sincerely,

Ishmael Tarouba

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