By Ray Roberts
Cricket West Indies Directors’ recent appointments to fill coaching and managing positions within respective structures of the sport aren’t appealing. The choices sparked a debate, questioning whether the directors used genuine criteria or whether it was a job for my boys.
The heated media debate has merit. None of the directors’ appointees has a track record of experience and success. They are of an unknown quantity and given the task to revive West Indies cricket.
Caribbean cricket has had a problem of insularity over the selection of players. Throughout its one hundred-plus years selectors have been accused of favouring players from the bigger nations. However, nepotism has never taken center stage as it is today.
The appointees Darren Sammy, coach of the ODI and T/20 teams, Miles Bascombe, cricket director and Andre Coley, coach of the Test team, are subjected to intense public scrutiny.
Unfortunately, Cricket West Indies didn’t give much detail regarding the shortlist of contenders for the respective jobs, thus fuelling the debate. The allegation of a clique took the opportunity to reward their friends is hard to dispel.
West Indies’ humiliation in Zimbabwe puts enormous pressure on Darren Sammy, whose next series is against India. Test team coach Andre Coley, like Sammy, will do his coaching career much good to beat the Indians or at least win a match or two.
Frankly speaking, the choice of Miles Bacombe as Cricket Director is shocking. His track record as a player and cricket director doesn’t shine brightly.
The question that baffles, what criteria did Cricket West Indies directors use?
In a Cricket West Indies press release announcing Bascombe’s appointment, it mentioned his work in Windward Islands cricket as a criterion! These directors are blind to reality. Windward Islands cricket is stagnation. Yes, the Volcanoes played undefeated and placed second in the four-day regional competition, but there is no serious visible plan to unearthing new talents.
Basic research on domestic cricket in the four islands shows a routine of T/20 and limited overs. Bascombe’s tenure thus far isn’t enlightening.
I follow Grenada’s cricket and have yet to see a grassroots program unearthing the youngsters in the villages. From all indications, it is the same in the neighbouring countries.
In summary, these new appointees have an opportunity to impact the game and transform West Indies cricket. They must focus on their respective challenge, introducing creative programs, tapping into the resources and expertise of the many greats of West Indies cricket and be dedicated to the task.
Equally important, Cricket West Indies directors, need to take stock. They ought to be more transparent and open in choosing professionals. The perception of nepotism/favouritism ruins the reputation of people in public office. This current board might have done just that.
