Billy Heaven calls for Sammy’s removal, Shallow’s resignation after World Cup exit

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A fierce debate over the direction of West Indies cricket has intensified following a blistering public critique from former Cricket West Indies director Wilford “Billy” Heaven, who is calling for sweeping leadership changes at the regional governing body.

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In a pointed interview on the Mason and Guest radio program this week, the former Jamaica Cricket Association president demanded the removal of West Indies head coach Darren Sammy and urged Dr Kishore Shallow to step down as president of the regional board.

Heaven’s remarks come in the wake of the team’s recent elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where the Caribbean side failed to advance beyond the Super Eights stage.

Heaven questions Sammy’s appointment

At the center of Heaven’s criticism was Sammy, the former West Indies captain who famously led the region to two T20 World Cup titles before transitioning into coaching.

Heaven told host Andrew Mason that he believes Sammy should reconsider his role leading the team.

“I think Darren Sammy should reconsider his position as coach,” Heaven declared.

He went further, revealing that he was surprised when Sammy was first appointed to the role.

“I was shocked when he got the job, as he is unqualified.”

Frustration after Super Eights exit

The former administrator said the team’s performance at the decisive stage of the global tournament only deepened his concerns.

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West Indies began the competition with encouraging form but faltered when the level of opposition intensified during the Super Eights phase.

“When the tournament reached the most competitive phase, the team was unable to sustain the required challenge of the leading side,” Heaven said. “So it is… it is difficult for me.”

Call for Shallow to step aside

His criticism extended beyond the coaching staff and into the highest level of cricket administration.

He argued that Dr. Shallow’s position as both a government minister in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and president of Cricket West Indies represents a conflict of interest.

“Dr Shallow needs to resign,” Heaven insisted.

To support his argument, Heaven pointed to the recent decision by Gregory Nicholls, who stepped down as vice president of the Barbados Cricket Association after accepting a government ministerial role.

Heaven praised the move as the correct example of separating political office from cricket administration, suggesting similar standards should apply at the regional level.

Warning against “lowering standards”

The former CWI director also criticized what he described as a troubling narrative emerging from within the governing body following the World Cup exit.

According to Heaven, labeling the team’s performance as an “overachievement” risks diluting expectations for a region with one of cricket’s richest histories.

“When you do that, what we are essentially doing is lowering standards,” Heaven argued.

He warned that such thinking could undermine the long-term ambition of restoring West Indies cricket to the heights it once occupied.

Debate over the future of West Indies cricket

Heaven’s outspoken remarks have added fresh fuel to an already simmering regional debate over leadership, accountability, and the future direction of West Indies cricket.

With the disappointment of another underwhelming World Cup campaign still fresh, his comments are likely to intensify scrutiny of both the team’s performance and the structure guiding the sport across the Caribbean.