Thursday, March 28, 2024

‘No point’ to new system

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The system of demotion and the award of batting and bowling points introduced by the Barbados Cricket Association are threatening the very foundation of Barbados cricket, says a former assistant manager of the West Indies cricket team.
Tony King, an outstanding former Empire and Barbados batsman, stressed that “relegation and tampering with the points system will not help to make our cricket any better”.
“If you doubt this, ask yourselves how well did Barbados fare in the recently concluded regional competition,” said the respected cricket pundit.
Ironically, King was giving the feature address at the Yorkshire Sports Club’s awards ceremony at the Harold Nurse Resource Centre, Hothersal Turning, St Michael, last Sunday with Barbados’ chairman of selectors George Linton sitting at the head table.
King’s concern evolved from his outline of the decline of West Indies cricket from a level of world dominance to where “we have become the laughing-stock of the cricket world”.
“And what are we doing about it? Why have we become so uncompetitive?” he asked.
“The pride and passion we once had seem to have deserted us, but again, whose fault is that? Is it the board’s, is it the players’ or is it the cricketing public’s? 
“We would be well advised to find the answers now,” King warned.In looking at the local scene, King added that “it is ironic that the clubs to be relegated this year are Wanderers and Police”. 
“Wanderers was the club of H.B.G. Austin who was considered by many as the father of West Indies cricket. Police was the club that produced the world’s greatest all-rounder.  
“This should be seen as an omen and it’s not too late for the BCA to change direction,” he cautioned. King also encouraged Yorkshire, who captured the Division 2 title last season during their 60th year of existence, to keep healthy and strong as Barbados’ cricket became what it was because of a strong club system and community support.
Linton praised the club for embracing the youth programmes on offer by the BCA, adding that such programmes would help clubs like Yorkshire to survive.   
Linton’s brother Louis, who is the president of Yorkshire, highlighted the commitment and success of the members during the last season.
He also thanked sponsors Pre-Cast and Pre-Mix Concrete Limited for continuing to support the club. 

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