Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell is of the view that the archaic structure of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is hampering player performance and the overall development of the sport in the region.
Dr. Mitchell shared the view Tuesday evening, appearing as a guest on the radio talk show,
Mason and Guest, hosted by international cricket commentator, Andrew Mason of Barbados.
On the programme which is aired live on Real FM locally, Dr. Mitchell said most cricketing nations have changed the structure and operation of their boards, but the West Indies is holding fast to an old structure.
Dr. Mitchell, an avid cricket fan, who still plays the sport, said, “It is hard watching the demise and level of performance of West Indies cricket. It is humiliating for any Caribbean person.”
He also cited a need for change in the leadership of the WICB. Responding to a question about the most recent dispute concerning the appointment of an interim coach, Dr. Mitchell said the attitude and arrogance displayed by some members of the board are detrimental to the sport.
“I have not given up hope but as long as the present leadership structure, personnel and
attitude remain, I don’t expect to see change.
Persons seem to be more concerned about position and not what is happening to West Indies cricket. That mindset is sad and unfortunate,” Dr. Mitchell said.
He added, “I am guided by the philosophy that as a leader, when something is going wrong, you look at yourself first. I do it as Prime Minister. The same principle can be applied to West Indies cricket. Leadership must be examined first before you apportion blame below.”
Dr. Mitchell, a former Chairman of the CARICOM Sub-Committee on Cricket Governance, said the West Indies Cricket Board should also be placing greater emphasis on investing in and developing the sport across the region since individual countries cannot do it themselves.
