The legendary Gordon Greenidge and Joel Garner know the sensation of successful 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 don’t watch too much cricket these days, especially the white ball ones. Earlier a West Indies defeat used to hurt a lot but now it doesn’t that much as our standards have fallen over the years.
“But yes, a World Cup without the West Indies is quite unimaginable. We have no more depth to hit,” former West Indies opener Greenidge instructed PTI.
The view discovered an echo in Garner’s phrases.
“We are not what we were, right! Earlier, there used to be a lot of pride in playing for the West Indies. It was our motivation. Now, the young players are getting more attracted to T20 leagues. No blame on them as everyone looks around for security.
“Our generation also did not get too much money; it came mainly from County cricket. But now this generation of cricketers has many avenues to earn, and they cannot be blamed for using them. The pride of playing for the West Indies has to be brought back,” mentioned Garner.
When the West Indies did not enter the Super 12 of ICC T20 World Cup 2022, then Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt had promised an intensive investigation and revamp. But going by the current occurrences, nothing a lot has advanced since. Understandably, Skerritt is disillusioned.
“It is deeply disappointing to see West Indies missing a World Cup berth. It is utterly frustrating considering the lofty legacy our cricket has,” he mentioned.
So, what’s the manner ahead for the West Indies to regain their pomp? “I have always said that we need to pick the right teams, ensure availability of the best players for big tournaments and practice games ahead of them. It assures cohesion.
“It assures us that we remain competitive and if you are not competitive enough then the big teams might not be interested in playing against the West Indies. Crowd will stay away from the stadiums. We will go down the pecking order. It should not happen,” he notes.
His phrases maintain a variety of reality 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.
Under such a scenario, it was powerful for the West Indies to seek 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 will not be actively concerned within the improvement of cricket within the Caribbean, leaving the younger cricketers with nobody to look as much as.
“We are around. We are willing to help. But there has to be a proper definition of roles as clarity in communication is very important. I don’t think there is any scarcity of talent in the West Indies.
“But we need a proper system to keep the young players motivated and focused. It is an effort to be made by all the stakeholders, not just by one section or one person,” mentioned Garner.
“It has to be kept in mind that West Indies cricket is bigger than individuals – look into you; make an honest effort,” added the legendary pacer.
Cricket lovers from all over the world can be hoping for that!
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com