Thursday, March 28, 2024

Dave Cameron has to go

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WEST INDIES CRICKET is heading to a second tier level in Test and One-Dayers.

And it cannot be saved unless the present administrators vacate office and allow alternative management, which may or may not change the status. But it is worth a try.

The present administrators voted all of themselves back into office for a few more years despite the continued decline in all aspects of the game.

Something must be done and at the very least, Mr Dave Cameron should have been removed. He has been in the centre of most problems and has totally lost the confidence of almost all people with an interest in West Indies cricket.

The chaos has resulted in numerous comments that are not in the interest of West Indies cricket. One prime minister has remained supportive [but] almost all others have voiced concern and are demanding change.

However, CARICOM and its prime ministers have numerous methods of bringing about change. Their local cricket bodies all require governmental support, especially financially. The hosting of international matches require a governmental guarantee. In other words, the local bodies require governmental support of all forms and fashions.

Political interference

Therefore if ALL governments withhold such support and demand change, change will have to take place. There is no way whereby one territory will be able to provide the necessary support. This will result in accusations of political interference but at this time, worse has already taken place and the hope of better is an option.

The suspension of Darren Bravo must be brought to an end immediately. Cricket West Indies cannot be demanding the sky from Mr Bravo when Dave Cameron [remains]. Cricket is supposed to be a gentleman’s game and all sides should express a “platonic and political apology” and move on.

The issue of contracts must be addressed in a transparent manner and a level “D” should be introduced. At present, no cricketer is deserving of an “A” level contract. One or two may deserve a “B” level contract – Darren Bravo, Kraigg Brathwaite. Some will get a “C” level contract – Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel. The majority should get a “D” level contract – an additional level.

There have been many expressions of concern about non-participation in regional tournaments and selection. Is there any selector who is willing to choose a player who has not performed or shown his level of performance in the One-Day or four-day/Test level? Many of the names being called have not played in any form of cricket other than T20 matches.

Distrust

And if the top players do not participate in the regional tournaments, standards are not going to improve. And if the top players are not going to participate in regional tournaments to gain selection to the West Indies team, why have a regional tournament?

The statement of Darren Sammy that players are not willing to forego participation in lucrative T20 tournaments when there is no guarantee of selection to the West Indies cricket team, is an example of the low level of commentaries and distrust. Players have to perform to be selected. And poor performance is not a selection criteria. Neither is perceived pedigree.

The lack of qualification for the Champions Trophy 2017 should be the last straw for inactivity. The need for participating in the qualifying tournament for World Cup 2019 and the 20-point gap between eighth place and ninth place means that change is not going to happen for the next four years.

Dave Cameron has to go.

– PHILIP AYOUNG-CHEE

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