(Letter to the Sports Editor)

NOW that Windies are champions of the World in three arenas, U-19, Women’s T20 and Men’s T20, it is a good time to take a look at where we are with cricket and the governance of the game in the Caribbean.Immediately after the men’s victory, our Man-of-the-Match Marlon Samuels gatecrashed an ICC presser, unaccompanied by anyone, no manager, no press officer or any other Windies representative, wearing pads he could not fit behind the desk; so he put his feet up on the desk and proceeded to launch a tirade at Shane Warne. After six minutes of this, his performance was cut short and he was ejected unceremoniously from the room by an ICC official.
His captain was upset at his treatment, not having witnessed his performance but only the humiliation of his ejection. Sammy reacted and let loose his demons also, the board this and the board that.
West Indians will never react well to perceived mistreatment of one of our own by anyone white, regardless of what our transgression. We have that historical knee-jerk reaction, Samuels’ actions are typical of our mentality today, the qualities displayed by Sir Frank Worrell , Clive Lloyd et al. have gone by the wayside. Samuels’ is not the first West Indian cricketer to lose his cool, Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge both famously entered Australian dressing rooms to deliver pointed messages. This was however an ICC presser and Samuels’ behaviour was a public display that was not tolerated once it became clear he had nothing of value to say.
The sight of one of our own being ejected is one I never hope to see and can only imagine captain Sammy’s emotions upon witnessing this humiliation.
The breakdown in management that allowed this cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed also, a complete disregard was shown to them by Samuels by attending this presser on his own, refusing to remove his pads and cocking his foot up on the desk. It might be worth mentioning that in Caribbean courtrooms, showing the soles of your feet is regarded as a contemptible offence, most cultures view this similarly.
Sammy raised a few issues that have plagued relations between players and the board for decades now. He stated that the team only had kit printed and delivered upon arrival in India, that his manager was inexperienced and inferred that the board did not support the team, unless the team paid for their own kit. He needs to take some time to understand operations.
Manager Lewis has been working in WICB operations for four years now; he is in no way inexperienced as suggested.
Uniforms are always printed in India. Would Sammy have rather they be printed in India, shipped to Antigua, then to Barbados for distribution before departure?
Considering the players negotiated to receive all prize money won at the tournament and that various selectees made themselves unavailable due to injuries etc. early printing would have been a costly exercise, shipping is not free!
Duty-free documents would have had to be prepared and approved; Customs (department) is not always as cooperative as one would hope! That said manager Lewis obviously was a poor choice as his relationship with the players led to disrespect publicly on two fronts.
Quo Vadis? The WICB must engage with its member boards and players as a matter of urgency, WIPA needs to be re-energised and engaged. I have been a vocal critic of Dinanath Ramnarine, I will admit to being wrong, a strong militant WIPA is needed to keep the WICB honest and in check.
There are good things happening in Windies cricket. The professional league and its contracted players have made playing cricket a viable profession and we can only hope it survives and continues to expand.
The sale of the 20/20 format franchise system was a terrible mistake that reeks of ignorance or corruption. This colossal mistake will not be righted without the assistance of the Caribbean territories, which would have to stop subsidising this private venture to the tune of millions of USD while local sporting entities are denied funding.
Given the desire of CARICOM to dissolve the WICB, such assistance may not be forthcoming. The foolish desire of politicians to control cricket first raised its ugly head in Guyana under the PPP administration. It was completely wrong then, as it is for any other government to attempt. I would suggest the politicians work on removing the barriers that exist to free movement of peoples in the region, improving trade by removal of hidden tariffs etc. and of course on being re-elected, the PPP were not so lucky – taking your eye off the ball can cost you your wicket!
The ball is firmly with the WICB. President Dave Cameron has become divisive and Wavell Hinds of WIPA should consider where his loyalties lie. These two bodies need to sort this relationship out and put an end to the public embarrassment and displays of discontent. Let the people of the West Indies be allowed to celebrate without reservation.

Robin Singh