PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Former West Indies wicketkeeper Deryck Murray has issued a blunt call for sweeping leadership change at Cricket West Indies (CWI), insisting that president Dr. Kishore Shallow and the entire board should step aside in the interest of good governance and the game’s future.
Speaking on the Mason and Guest radio program on Tuesday, the 82-year-old Murray argued that Shallow’s recent appointment as minister of tourism and maritime affairs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines makes it untenable for him to continue leading West Indies cricket.
“He cannot do that job”
Murray, who represented the West Indies in 62 Test matches and 16 One-Day Internationals between 1963 and 1980, was unequivocal in his assessment. In his view, the responsibilities of high public office are incompatible with the demands of heading the region’s cricket authority.
“To have the president of Cricket West Indies and a functioning minister of government, especially one who has two portfolios, he cannot do that job,” Murray said.
He went further, outlining what he believes should be the next step.
“So therefore, you need to appeal to him that in leaving, he must work with the president of the CARICOM Sub-Committee, and take the board with him,” Murray added.
Call for a peaceful transition
Murray emphasized that his appeal was not for chaos, but for an orderly and dignified transition of leadership.
“The personnel of the board at the moment has to remove itself peacefully, amicably, and to allow a change to take place,” he said.
His comments come at a time when questions around governance, accountability, and reform continue to surround West Indies cricket.
Shallow stands firm until 2028
Despite the criticism, Shallow has made it clear he intends to serve out his current term as CWI president, which runs until 2028. While he has confirmed that he will not seek re-election, he has said he received approval to continue in the role after consultations with CWI directors and officials from the International Cricket Council.
Shallow has defended his decision by pointing to unfinished reforms aimed at strengthening West Indies cricket both administratively and on the field.
“Let me be up front and transparent”
In a pre-recorded statement released earlier this month, Shallow addressed concerns surrounding his dual roles.
“…I know that some of you may be concerned about my recent appointment to Cabinet and what it may mean for my continued service as president of CWI. Let me be up front and transparent with you as I’ve always been,” Shallow said.
“Admittedly, I have thought long and hard about this. My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion. It is for this reason that I will conclude my current term, but with the intention not to seek re-election.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Shallow acknowledged challenges but pointed to progress.
“While the journey has not been without its challenges, and we have not achieved every goal, we have made significant and measurable progress … . My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion,” he added.
A debate far from over
Murray’s intervention adds a powerful and respected voice to an ongoing debate about leadership, conflict of interest, and the direction of West Indies cricket. Whether his call for wholesale change gains traction remains to be seen, but it has unmistakably intensified scrutiny on CWI’s governance at a critical juncture.
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