Seeking Happiness: West Indies Cricket Undergoes Extensive Reconstruction Following Prolonged Period of Struggles

Daren Ganga, a former West Indies cricketer, describes the typical fan of the team as weary and disillusioned, yearning for moments of joy and celebration from the sport. He notes that while regional pride and spirit remain, fans have moderated their expectations, cherishing any victory as it has become a rare occurrence.

For those lamenting England’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket, the situation of their upcoming adversary, the West Indies, is considerably bleaker. The team’s performance has been disheartening in recent years, with a ninth-place finish out of ten at the 2019 World Cup, poor showings in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, and failure to qualify for this year’s 50-over tournament. Since England’s 2019 tour, out of 14 Test series, the West Indies have only managed four victories, against lower-ranked teams and England in 2022.

Despite some signs of recovery, discontent remains within the team. Efforts by Cricket West Indies to mend ties with senior players have seen limited success. Issues like modest central contracts have led to disengagement from some players, as exemplified by Sunil Narine’s exclusion from the World Cup squad due to apparent lack of interest. Darren Sammy, now the white-ball coach, poignantly remarked that playing for love isn’t enough in today’s era.

Recent domestic successes, like Darren Bravo leading Trinidad & Tobago to victory in the Super50 Cup and being its top scorer, have not translated into national team selection, sparking frustration and public outcry, including from Dwayne Bravo, his brother and former captain.

The focus on youth is evident, with older, experienced players like Darren Bravo being overlooked in favor of younger talents like Alick Athanaze. This strategic shift aims to provide opportunities to emerging players.

Financial challenges have also plagued Cricket West Indies, with a 2020 independent report revealing significant financial deficits. Running the sport across multiple islands presents unique logistical and financial hurdles.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope with improved financial stability and the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted with the USA, expected to bring economic benefits. Tours by cricket powerhouses like India and England, attracting fans and lucrative broadcasting deals, also contribute to this positive outlook, with England scheduled to return for another tour in November.