I READ with interest that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is contemplating performance related pay for players. The entire body of West Indian fans has been screaming for this approach to our players, compensation for nearly a decade. Compensation, in any enterprise, should be because of, and not in-spite of, and West Indies cricket should not be a sad exception. Playing cricket for money is an enterprise.
For too many years, the WICB has allowed players to be nonchalant regarding their performance vis-a-vis the money they make. They have been treated like sacred cows.
West Indian supporters have been humiliated by players whose sole aim is to receive big bucks regardless.
I wonder if it does not pain the current players to see so many empty seats in the stands when they play, more particularly of recent. In the days of Sobers, Kanhai, Lloyd and Richards, empty stands were an embarrassment. But I suppose that this generation of players lack the mental capacity to do the connection between absence of spectators and their lackluster performance. Their income is guaranteed, so who cares?
So, let them be like commission agents. A small retainer with the big bucks but through earning it should be the practice.
I would also be happy if the WICB and Regional Boards seriously consider stop selecting players on raw talent alone. For raw talent to have meaning and purpose it must be associated with a mental/psychological capacity, or at least, potential. Our players must not be mad bulls in a China shop.
We have seen the end product of the Gilchrists, Tysons, Ramnaraces and Lewises.
To WICB, let the players earn their keep.