PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — In a candid and impassioned interview on Trinidadian radio station i95.5FM’s Isports with host Andre Errol Baptiste, Dr. Keith Rowley, chairman of CARICOM’s subcommittee on cricket, shed light on the hurdles and aspirations tied to West Indies cricket’s revival.
As the region navigates a pivotal moment for its cherished sport, Dr. Rowley outlined CARICOM’s vision for fostering unity and rejuvenating the game.
Ambitions to restore glory days
Dr. Rowley revealed that CARICOM, in partnership with Cricket West Indies (CWI), has been tirelessly working to implement strategies aimed at revitalizing the golden era of West Indies cricket. Despite their best efforts, he expressed disappointment over recent setbacks, including the absence of Barbados and Guyana from critical meetings, which hindered the formation of a quorum.
Undeterred, Dr. Rowley emphasized CARICOM’s role as a supportive force rather than a governing body. “We want to encourage people in this period of great risk and possible rewards to come to the table, accept the available assistance, and work as one body,” he urged. “Nobody will respect West Indies cricket if we remain fractured at the management level.”
Refuting dissolution rumors
Addressing swirling rumors about the potential dissolution of West Indies cricket, Dr. Rowley dismissed such speculation as baseless. “The idea that West Indies cricket should dissolve is rubbish,” he declared, lambasting detractors for their attempts to undermine the team’s legacy.
Dr. Rowley pointed to the team’s illustrious history, marked by two decades of dominance, as evidence of its enduring value. He also called for greater respect and increased resources from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to help elevate the regional game. “The West Indies have played a unique and pivotal role in world cricket. We need the ICC to provide more resources so we can bring our game up to the standards required in modern sport,” he asserted.
Concerns over marginalization
Dr. Rowley also voiced frustration over recent decisions by Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which he claims have sidelined CARICOM’s input. Notably, he criticized the exclusion of CARICOM representatives from CPL meetings, calling it a missed opportunity for collaboration.
“This lack of transparency and cooperation does not help us move forward,” he lamented. “We need to work together to ensure the best outcomes for cricket in the Caribbean.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Rowley expressed optimism about upcoming efforts to bolster regional cricket. He disclosed that the next CARICOM-CWI meeting is slated for Barbados, where he hopes meaningful progress will be made. “There is still hope for West Indies cricket, but it requires unity and commitment from all stakeholders,” he concluded.
