"West Indies Cricket May Cease To Exist As An Entity If Players Prioritise T20 Leagues" - Reports

West Indies cricket may “cease to exist” unless the issue of its players prioritizing global Twenty20 leagues ahead of international duties is addressed, according to a report by a three-man panel comprising former captain and batting great Brian Lara, veteran South African coach Mickey Arthur, and senior judge Patrick Thompson, which was commissioned by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The two-time T20 champions lost two of their three games in the first round and failed to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

The Nicholas Pooran-led side lost to Scotland in their first encounter and exited the tournament after losing to Ireland in their final match. Pooran stepped down as a captain, and Phil Simmons announced his resignation as the team’s coach after the team’s poor performance.

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It Is Not In The Best Interests Of West Indies Cricket

West Indies cricketers have made themselves available for the Indian Premier League and other T20 competitions around the world. The West Indies Cricket Board (WIBC) warned that this could not be done to “the detriment of West Indies Cricket.”

“It is not in the best interests of West Indies cricket that our best players play in every global league and play for the WI Team on an optional basis,” the report said.

“It is essential that some middle ground is arrived at. Otherwise, West Indies cricket may cease to exist as an entity. This group does not indulge in doomsday predictions, but no entity, sporting or otherwise, has a viable future if its talent is not harnessed and effectively managed,” the report added.

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Best 11 Players Turn Out For The WI Team In Every Match

According to a report, long-standing conflicts between players and CWI are blocking better coordination on player availability and schedules. The report called for a “frank and honest discussion” about this matter to find a solution.

“In this group’s view, there is significant distrust between the players and administration and this distrust is inimical to ensuring that the best 11 players turn out for the WI Team in every match,” the report said.

The West Indies will co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with the United States. The Windies became the first team to win multiple titles in the shortest format, followed by England.

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