Dear Editor,
In a recent interview on Sportsmax, in which the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines called for the resignation of the chairman of the WICB, one statement really caught my attention. He said that long before the strike (or whatever one calls it) of the players in India, the President assured the Indian officials that if the team were to strike, the WICB would send an alternative team.
I believe that offer reveals clearly, not only the President`s attitude to premier WI cricketers, but his naïvete, and his ignorance of the state of international cricket. To the President, the group of 15 cricketers chosen to represent the region could all be replaced on a moment`s notice with no material difference in the quality of the cricket; and the Indians – and for that matter any international team, all of whom are very familiar with international cricketers in this global cricket village – would accept in fulfilment of the WICB’s contract, the kind of pick-up team that could be assembled on such short notice.
I am afraid that the President`s perspective pervades the entire administration and explains the callous and absurd attitude that it often displays when critical issues like wicket preparation, coaching, sports psychology, selection, preparation for international encounters, and such matters are dealt with.
Wholesale changes are needed if these young men are to reach their potential.
Yours faithfully,
Romain Pitt
