For the love of the game

THE EDITOR: The current sponsors’ impasse that has shrouded our West Indies cricket leaves nothing in its wake but gloom and doom. There are no winners in this unfortunate situation, only losers. The genesis and gradual build up of the problem played out right in front our eyes and the eyes of all stakeholders involved, yet it seems everyone was helpless to avert this happening. Amongst the losers are: Us the fans, who will seemingly miss out on the opportunity to see our best players at home against the South Africans and the Pakistanis. We have already endured so much pain as Windies supporters over the past five years, this might very well be the final blow that finishes us off. Our first team will find it tough against the upcoming visitors, far less a second string unit.

The players, it’s the dream of every cricket player from the region to represent the West Indies, especially at home. Although they must look out for their best interest financially, I am certain none of them envisioned or wanted it to come to this, none of them! Brian Lara in the twilight of his magnificent career, only wishes to stamp his legacy and put West Indies back on the right track as his playing days wind down. Less than a year ago, his 400 at the ARG set the world alight, as his efforts restored some lost pride in all West Indian fans. Dwayne Bravo is about to embark on a seemingly very promising all-round Test career, this is the last thing he anticipated or needs. Sarwan and Gayle are about to burst on the world cricketing scene as genuine stars in their own rights. While the other players named are fighting in the current Carib Beer Series campaign to earn the right to once again wear the maroon cap.

The seven players who will seemingly replace the “seven” named, will forever be labelled “scabs,” a tag no one needs. The WICB, their hands were forced in this situation, as they seemingly had no or little choice to take the action they did not want to. Who in their right minds would eliminate their best chances of success, if they did not have a choice. They, according to them, have exhausted every avenue to avoid this happening, but here we are. All West Indian cricket stakeholders, the various regional Boards, the venues throughout the region, the hucksters, the secondary sponsors, the TV people, the media, the cricketing tourists, the opposing teams and cricket fans around the world. Nobody needs a diluted Test series, especially considering the successes of the home team in the past few years. Bennett King, his job as coach was already difficult, now it may be impossible, minus several key players.

The WIPA, although rightfully seeking the best interests of their players, their modus operandi cast their methods as too strong-handed in the eyes of a lot of West Indian cricket supporters. They have a job nobody wants to do, an important job, however to most it appears a little diplomacy is missing in their negotiations with the WICB. Cable and Wireless — although being the lifeline of West Indies cricket for a long, long time and their brand being almost synonymous with West Indies cricket in this part of the world. However in the current impasse, there is sentiment around that they should shoulder part of the blame for what is currently going on. People in this part of the world have short memories, one perceived bad move could ruin years of hard work.

Digicel, throwing their money (record sponsorship) into regional cricket, as they, like other sponsors before, understand what cricket means in this part of the world. They are seemingly not getting their money’s worth and we can all understand their frustration. The list of losers is long, however compromise and dialogue seem the only way out. Hats off to Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell on his efforts to get this issue resolved. A true cricket aficionada, he understands the importance of having the upcoming Test and One-Day Series come off with the best players possible, the importance to the people of the region, win, lose or draw.

One thing is certain, whoever sponsors our cricket, the West Indies public does not tolerate anyone holding their beloved cricket as ransom for market share purposes. This is not a reflection on the current sponsors but to sponsorship of cricket in general. This sponsorship though is critical to the survival of the game here in the Caribbean, however not at all costs. If anyone is deemed responsible for interfering with our cricket, the consequences deem this happening, unforgivable. I know on this point I speak for all West Indian cricket fans, however and whoever, get this matter sorted out. Come March 31 in Guyana, the first Test against South Africa we want our best team on the field, nothing else!

DR NIGEL CAMACHO
Maraval