Sir Viv slams WI again for lack of passion, leadership

LONDON: Just days ahead of the start of the ICC Champions Trophy in England, former West Indies cricket captain and ex-chairman of West Indies selectors, Sir Vivian Richards has criticised the ailing West Indies team for their lack of passion and leadership. In an interview with the London’s Sunday Times, the 52-year-old cricket icon said the current players lacked the intensity that had come to epitomise West Indies cricket in its halcyon days. “The guys need to show real passion for the game. I went to bed with my bats and pads when I played for my country” Sir Vivian was quoted as saying. “When I woke up my bat was the first thing I saw. I couldn’t sleep without the equipment around me.” The harsh comments come just days ahead of the start of the West Indies’ campaign in the ICC Champions’ Trophy which bowls off on September 10. The Windies compete in Pool “B” along with South Africa and Bangladesh and play their first match against Bangladesh on September 15.

Sir Vivian, who is the only West Indies captain never to lose a Test series during his tenure, said sometimes he was inclined to defend the team because of its youthful composition but felt the problem went further than age. “Part of me feels like defending them and saying that it’s a young side and they will come good for the World Cup,” Sir Vivian pointed out. “But there’s a part of me that is worried by the attitude of the players.” He added: “There are some brilliant players in the West Indies but we need to find a way to get them focused, not just for an hour here and an hour there, but for five days. They need to be more intimidating.” Sir Vivian also said when he examined the team’s lack of motivation and it’s will to win, it forced him to question the leadership. “I’ve been criticised for having a go at Brian Lara,” Sir Vivian pointed out. “I have no problem with him personally but you look at the team and what’s going on and you have to question the leadership.” (CMC)