With public frustration growing over the men’s team’s uneven results, Cricket West Indies has taken a deliberate step to cool the temperature.
Vice-president Azim Bassarath has publicly appealed for patience, emphasizing that the board remains committed to giving head coach Daren Sammy sufficient time to implement his vision.
Appearing on the Isports program on i95.5 FM with host Andre Errol Baptiste, Bassarath addressed the mounting criticism head-on, acknowledging the unease while urging supporters across the region to resist calls for immediate change.
“More time should be given”
Bassarath made clear that the prevailing view among CWI directors is that Sammy’s tenure should not be judged prematurely.
“The directors believe that more time should be given, so the region needs to understand that,” he said, underscoring the board’s unified position despite ongoing debate over the team’s direction.
While performances have fluctuated under the all-format head coach, Bassarath stressed that leadership transitions require space to take hold before conclusions can be fairly drawn.
A review is coming, but not yet
The vice-president confirmed that Sammy’s work will be subject to formal evaluation, likely coinciding with Cricket West Indies’ Annual General Meeting. However, he emphasized that the process will be structured and deliberate rather than reactionary.
“Maybe a discussion paper can be circulated, and the directors can have a look at it,” Bassarath explained. “It is something that we must give time to see if it can work.”
The message was clear: scrutiny is inevitable, but haste is not.
World Cup as a measuring stick
When pressed on what constitutes a fair timeline, Bassarath pointed to the upcoming T20 World Cup next month as a key reference point, alongside recent bilateral series performances.
“Whether one year is a sufficient time is still to be debated,” he said. “We look at his results where there are a few series and maybe the World Cup, and we can really have a look at his tenure at that time.”
The tournament, he suggested, will offer valuable context rather than a definitive verdict.
An appeal for restraint and support
In closing, Bassarath struck a conciliatory tone, urging fans and critics to temper their judgment and rally behind the current setup.
“We shouldn’t rush into things. We shouldn’t be criticising too much,” he said. “Let us lend our support to the guy and encourage the players and the coaches and so on, and see if we can turn the so-called corner again.”
He acknowledged the emotional intensity surrounding the issue, adding, “I know that it is a troubling topic.”
Bassarath’s remarks mark Cricket West Indies’ clearest attempt yet to frame the public conversation. While a comprehensive review of Sammy’s tenure remains on the horizon, the board has signaled that decisions will be guided by process, perspective, and patience, not pressure.
