Why not ODI status for Trinidad and Jamaica?

THE EDITOR: I am writing from Sri Lanka and thought of contributing to your excellent newspaper. Sri Lanka as you are aware, is a third world island with a per capita of US $850 — which is less than that of Jamaica/Trinidad for a start. Yet Sri Lanka is a test playing nation. Why can’t the likes of Trinidad/Jamaica apply for at least One Day International (ODI) status, if not Test status? Surely they are stronger than the likes of Bangladesh and test aspirant Kenya? A good compromise would be for Jamaica and Trinidad to play ODI matches independently and play Test cricket as the West Indies.

It is an irony that countries such as Canada/Netherlands/UAE with less cricketing credentials are clamouring for ODI status and the likes of Jamaica/Trinidad are not even considering it. Is the cricketing infrastructure of Zimbabwe superior to the likes of Jamaica/Trinidad? Besides, Jamaica and Trinidad are independent members of all sports governing bodies from football to basketball and tennis. I am certain Jamaican/Trinidadian kids would like to play ODI or Test cricket for their country of birth someday.

I do not see a shortage of enthusiasm and sponsorship coming for this proposal if pressure groups are formed to push through it and create an awareness campaign. It would help the cause if million signature petitions are organised in the respective countries and are submitted to the respective Sports Ministries and Cricket Boards. Enlisting the support of prominent Test players would also be a good move.

MAHENDRA
MAPAGUNARATNE