Lloyd sees future through rose-tinted glasses

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Legendary former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd said the way forward for the game in the region is looking rosy and urged corporate support.

Lloyd comments came against the backdrop of a 229-run victory for West Indies in the second Test against Bangladesh yesterday, earning them a rare Test series victory on foreign soil.

“I have seen the signs, I am seeing the ‘green shoots’ in players like Kirk Edwards and Andre Russell who have come on to the scene and done well and shown that they are quality players who can compete against any team around the World,” said Lloyd in an interview with Windies Cricket Media.

“I can safely say that we have about 15 to 20 players that we can call on who can compete with the best in the World. What we need is for all hands to be on deck and for the senior players to be there to mentor and guide them in a positive way.”

Lloyd, a director of the West Indies Cricket Board, said he felt the regional governing body was working to build the right structure to produce World-class players, but corporate support was needed to get things done properly.

“Even though the WICB is not well-endowed in the monetary sense like some of the other boards around the World, it has put the framework in place for our cricket to be strong again,” he said.

“It is extremely expensive to run our cricket. We’re separated by water, so travel is more expensive; we’re a tourist destination, so hotels are more expensive; and we have to ensure that player salaries are competitive, so now I would love to see companies step up to the plate and sponsor our regional competitions and get involved in West Indies cricket which is on the rise.”

Lloyd led West Indies in 74 Tests, winning 36, and 87 One-day Internationals, winning 45, between 1974 and 1985.