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Administrators must answer for wretched Windies

It would be very interesting to know what Cricket West Indies’(CWI) administration believes is the reason for the poor performances of the West Indies (Windies) cricket team. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a confidential poll of the members of that august body, giving each one the opportunity to air their views, letting all fans be aware of their separate opinions as to who or what is to blame for the dismal showing of their cricket team?

Plus, as a bonus, could they all let us know what individual plan each one would employ to correct the situation? They must feel free to express themselves without fear that anyone will take away from them their so eagerly sought-after positions, their sanctimonious offices as directors of CWI! Wouldn’t it be marvellous?

The Caribbean team played so wretchedly in 2017 that the odd respectable win has been drowned in a sea of devastating performances, climaxing on their tour of New Zealand. Yet we, what remains of the cricket-loving public, have to endure the same old depressing excuses so much so that the Australian coach of the team, Stuart Law, has now fallen into the trap of trying to justify reasons for losing. Yet, whether Windies batted first or second, whether they won the toss or not, nevertheless they were beaten badly!

Looking at those dejected unfortunate individuals representing a proud region, it really strains the imagination that the West Indies was once a very proud and happy cricketing entity. I’m not here talking just about our golden era of invincibility in the eighties and nineties, but since the days of achieving Test status in 1928 when there was always drive and determination, no matter if one was on the winning side or the losing one! Although the purpose of the game is to win there was still commitment in the players to do their best in order to prove themselves worthy of the sport.

It is with much disappointment that I viewed the series of Test & ODI matches in New Zealand. I looked at the manner in which the Caribbean cricketers strutted around the field lacking motivation and resolution, plus the way they approached their batting and bowling, with such a distressing degree of complacency that they appeared to be a collection of men without leadership or guidance.

They looked a bedraggled, aimless bunch that would rather be somewhere else than on a cricket field! Hence, I couldn’t help but make the statements I did in the first paragraph of this article.

Are these directors at all shocked, flabbergasted, astonished, amazed or surprised by the way their team is playing? If not, why not? And if they are then what is the plan?

You must be judged by the results of the team moreso the manner of their approach to the matches. If dissatisfied, then you are ineffective and ought to resign; and that goes from captain to cook.

Where is the fighting spirit? Where is the joy of participation? Where is the satisfaction that becomes a cricketer that finds happiness in his game? The quality of the product on the cricket field is directly related to the administrators responsible for them being there in the first place!

The impression given by the CWI directors is as if they, the directors, are more important than the players, not realising that it is in their best interests that their cricketers start winning matches as, with positive results, they themselves would come in for praise. The cricketer is the one in the public’s eye, not the administrator! They will be judged by the performance of the cricketer.

Without the proper governance the side will flounder as is now being witnessed.  And they ought not to be distracted by the occasional good performance; for international sportsmen are not judged by occasional achievements but by consistency. That’s the hallmark of their class.

Please, CWI directors, tell us what is the problem with West Indian cricket? Is it that the players are worthless and have no ability? Is it that your development plans for young cricketers are weak and useless? Maybe your academy in Barbados is a waste of time?

Are your selectors honest and knowledgeable? Is your cadre of coaches which includes an Australian and two Englishmen suitable for the needs of Caribbean cricketers and their culture? Or is all the above just the fault of a poor administration?

In my opinion, if the right results are not being accomplished, then those who have the power to make the decisions for improvement ought to resign their posts. Not unlike professional football managers! Your honest answers would reveal a lot!