Renowned West Indies fast bowler Sir Andy Roberts has issued a bold call for the resignation of Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow and other key officials, citing a grave crisis that threatens the future of regional cricket.
In an appearance on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, aired on Observer Radio, he passionately criticized the current administration for failing to address what he describes as “serious problems” within the sport.
According to an article written by Neto Baptiste, Roberts did not mince words, stating that head coach Daren Sammy has been granted excessive authority as both coach and selector, which he believes is detrimental to the sport.
“The Director of Cricket [Miles Bascombe] should walk, the President [Dr. Kishore Shallow] should walk, the coach [Daren Sammy] should walk,” he asserted, emphasizing the absurdity of one individual wielding too much power over the destiny of millions. “If you can’t accept responsibility, how can you expect to resign?”
This outcry comes on the heels of a dismal performance by the West Indies team, which was bowled out for a mere 27 runs in the second innings of the final Test against Australia, setting a record for the second-lowest total in Test history.
In response to this alarming collapse, CWI has called for an emergency meeting to review the series, inviting cricket legends such as Sir Viv Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Desmond Haynes, and Brian Lara to participate.
As West Indies cricket grapples with its ongoing struggles, the call for accountability at the top may be the first step toward rekindling the glory of a once-mighty team. The time for action is now; the future of an entire region’s cricketing legacy hangs in the balance.
Man go rest your damn old self
West Indies has been on the decline long before Sammy Shallow and Bascombe.
WI with a stronger team including Clive Lloyd and Clyde Walcott was bowled for 25 runs by Ireland ages ago.
Would love to see Sir Andy replace any of the three people he believes should walk ( or all three), and see what his results are? Didn’t Sir Andy have previous service with West Indies cricket?
What are his results?
As they say, “Mouth mek foh talk”!
While Sir Andy’s frustration is totally understandable, and that collapse was horrific, is it truly all on the current CWI President, Director of Cricket, and coach alone? West Indies cricket has been in decline for decades due to deep-rooted issues from grassroots to regional cricket. Resignations might be a start, but we need a comprehensive overhaul, not just scapegoats. However, a strong message certainly needs to be sent.
Peter Drigo In light of the debacle of 27,I dont think any of the non selectees would have improved our prospects of saving that final test on that wicket where more proficient Aussies Batters crumbled against a comparatively less formidable attack. Indeed reasonable eyebrows were rsised when some who toured recently were not picked. Sammy is being kicked under the bus by mamy and the morally detestable campaign predated the 27 but this is being weaponized to destroy him. Sammy’s place of origin and non cricketing issues are being used against him. We conveniently forgot that it is that very Sammy who helped slam open doors for cousin Athanaze & Hodge and facilitated their upward trajectory. I think that their non selection on that just concluded test tour was a blessing in disguise. They have shown glimpses of briliiance but there are key aspects of their game that need to be reviewed. No one can sensibly doubt their ability but this period must be seen as a moment of sober reflection. We must not ignore that fact and allow mere nationalist fervour to cloud our objective modus. The absence of a Non Sammy will speak disastrous consequences for Hodge and Sammy. We are aware of Athanaze’s stellar contribution to West Indies Youth Success on the International Circuit. Dont we recall his achievements? What happened after that? The selectors then marginalised this young progidy. He remained as a ” cast aside “. We remained ” noisily > hushed ” as other lads who he outscored and outperformed on his way to win the Youth World Cup walked unto higher ranked & more competitive senior National Teams. He got his big break moons after against Bangladesh in Dominica. Kaveem Hodge broke all kinds of records in the professional regional league in Barbados. Oh yes we watched and wandered what more must he do to win favour. His selection dreams were realised albeit after a long wait. My dear cousin The system is largely riggged against the so called small islanders and this isnt new. It happened during , before and after the famous Shell Shield Era. If the iconic Lockhart was born elsewhere , he would have been given a front row seat in the VIP Windies Batting Lineup. We saw what happened to Grayson, Irvin and Norbert. They werent fairly treated. Adam Sanford never saw the likes of a new ball. He bowled when it had been robbed of its sting and was largely used as an afterthought. He was set up to fail. I will leave this so.
I can add to that the treatment of heir apparent captain Joshua DaSilva was was marginalized and not even given a chance to get valuable practice against South Africa A.
Irvine Shillingford was a brilliant batsman. Norbert Phillip was outstanding from personal experiences playing against them both.
Irvine like other small islanders ( except Barbados) was treated horribly.
There is no one in the current West Indies setup who can come close to Irvine’s brilliant batsmanship.
Chandrapaul has had an outstanding WI career, but imho, Irvine Shillingford was a far better batsman, who never was selected in his prime.
Jerome Mellow is another under appreciated Dominican bowler.
Lack of ICC funds and lack of shared tour revenues as well as no availability for WI players to play County Cricket for example have hurt.
Andy Roberts what about second chances? A man must fall how many times? You playing God now?