The legendary Gordon Greenidge and Joel Garner know the sensation of profitable a World Cup. They have been a part of Clive Lloyd‘s invincible outfit that lifted the trophy in 1979, beating England at Lord’s.
When PTI reached out to the legendary duo, the sensation of disappointment was very evident after the West Indies did not qualify for the 50-over World Cup in India.
“See! I do not watch an excessive amount of cricket today, particularly the white ball ones. Earlier a West Indies defeat used to harm quite a bit however now it does not that a lot as our requirements have fallen through the years.
“However sure, a World Cup with out the West Indies is sort of unimaginable. We have now no extra depth to hit,” former West Indies opener Greenidge advised PTI.
The view discovered an echo in Garner’s phrases.
“We’re not what we have been, proper! Earlier, there was once numerous satisfaction in taking part in for the West Indies. It was our motivation. Now, the younger gamers are getting extra interested in T20 leagues. No blame on them as everybody seems round for safety.
“Our technology additionally didn’t get an excessive amount of cash; it got here primarily from County cricket. However now this technology of cricketers has many avenues to earn, and so they can’t be blamed for utilizing them. The satisfaction of taking part in for the West Indies must be introduced again,” mentioned Garner.
When the West Indies did not enter the Tremendous 12 of ICC T20 World Cup 2022, then Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt had promised a radical investigation and revamp. However going by the current occurrences, nothing a lot has advanced since. Understandably, Skerritt is dissatisfied.
“It’s deeply disappointing to see West Indies lacking a World Cup berth. It’s completely irritating contemplating the lofty legacy our cricket has,” he mentioned.
So, what’s the method ahead for the West Indies to regain their pomp? “I’ve at all times mentioned that we have to decide the correct groups, guarantee availability of the perfect gamers for giant tournaments and apply video games forward of them. It assures cohesion.
“It assures us that we stay aggressive and in case you are not aggressive sufficient then the large groups won’t be curious about taking part in in opposition to the West Indies. Crowd will avoid the stadiums. We are going to go down the pecking order. It shouldn’t occur,” he notes.
His phrases maintain numerous fact in them as West Indies’ preparation for the World Cup qualifiers was bordering on the doltish.
For the qualifiers, that are being held in Zimbabwe, the West Indies performed apply matches within the UAE. The circumstances in each the nations are as completely different as chalk and cheese.
Even in that sequence, six front-line Windies white ball gamers weren’t obtainable, and so they have been: Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph.
Below such a state of affairs, it was powerful for the West Indies to search out their vary below new coach Darren Sammy and it mirrored of their outing within the Qualifiers.
It has been typically mentioned that former gamers aren’t actively concerned within the growth of cricket within the Caribbean, leaving the younger cricketers with nobody to look as much as.
“We’re round. We’re prepared to assist. However there must be a correct definition of roles as readability in communication is essential. I do not assume there may be any shortage of expertise within the West Indies.
“However we want a correct system to maintain the younger gamers motivated and centered. It’s an effort to be made by all of the stakeholders, not simply by one part or one particular person,” mentioned Garner.
“It must be stored in thoughts that West Indies cricket is greater than people – look into you; make an trustworthy effort,” added the legendary pacer.
Cricket lovers from all over the world will probably be hoping for that!
