GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Renowned retired cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira has voiced concern that Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow may be forced to relinquish his post should he win a seat in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ upcoming general elections.
Dr. Shallow, representing the New Democratic Party (NDP), is contesting the North Leeward constituency in the November 27 polls.
During an interview on Isports i95.5 FM on Saturday, Perreira suggested that political office and regional cricket governance may be incompatible roles.
“I think right now that is his focus, becoming a member of parliament … but it could be a conflict of interest,” Perreira cautioned.
“He will probably have to make a decision, and the directors will probably have to play a role, because I’m not too sure the ICC was happy recently when Sri Lanka tried to bring politicians into the board; and I think that is a question that has to be asked.”
Historical precedent and ICC sensitivities
Perreira noted that Cricket West Indies has seen at least one president simultaneously hold public office, but emphasized that such scenarios remain rare.
“I think there might have been a case where we had a president that was a senator; Julian Hunte was never in politics when he became president,” he remarked.
His comments also referenced the International Cricket Council’s unease with political involvement in cricket administration, citing Sri Lanka’s recent attempts to install politicians on their board.
Prime Minister echoed the concern
This is not the first time the issue has surfaced. Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, previously argued that Shallow’s dual roles, as political candidate and CWI president, could create an untenable conflict.
Despite the scrutiny, Dr. Shallow, who has led CWI since 2023, has consistently maintained that no conflict exists and has not indicated any intention to step aside.
