The appalling outcomes of repeated administrative decision making 'madness' and abject performances on the field of play maybe considered 'normal' and unsurprising. However, these recurrent gaffes are quickly eroding a pillar of West Indian history and development.When discussing Caribbean culture I always tell students that it is characterised by complexities and contradictions. We say one thing and do another. Examples are easily found in every aspect of life from politicians to even those who impart the word of god.
A recent example is the decision by the WICB and its selectors to replace Dwayne Bravo as the ODI captain as well drop him and Kieron Pollard from the team to play South Africa in their five match ODI series.In the aftermath of the disastrous tour of India in attempt to heal wounds and move forward it was agreed upon at a meeting chaired by St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in Port-of-Spain that no reprisal will take place against any player. Additionally, the final report on the disastrous aborted tour indicated that all parties were partly guilty.
But then again one should not be totally surprised as the WICB and its selectors have a rich history of arriving at mind boggling decisions.These selection decisions come on the heels of the surprised omission of Ravi Rampaul from the provisional list of 30 players from which the final World Cup 15 will be chosen. An explanation for his exclusion is still outstanding and may never be provided.The lessons should have been clear that the way forward had to be premised upon open channels of communication and the (re)building of trust; the benefits of which will redound to all major stakeholders–WICB, players, WIPA, sponsors and the fans.
The views highlighted by chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd leaves much to be desired in terms of convincing the general interested West Indian public that Jason Holder is the right person to lead the West Indies team to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which starts in 48 days on February, 14th. All the countries save England are entering the World Cup with experienced captains. Although England have sacked Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan is a very experienced captain at the ODI level. The fact that Bravo was selected captain to India and there were no openly expressed concerns about his captaincy then, begs the question as to why suddenly he is not good for the job.
If the team selected to play the ODI series against South Africa does not perform with any creditability then entire plot to win the World Cup can fall apart before the tournament starts. This will only add more pressure on Jason Holder.These selections seem to indicate that Bravo and Pollard may not be selected for the World Cup. At least the WICB press release did not give any indication as to why the players were left out. And even if the selectors reluctantly and surreptitiously cede to political and public critique and select Bravo and Pollard for the World Cup–the deadline date is January 8th–they would have missed the opportunity to give the new captain all the opportunity to prepare competitively with the best available players.
And if they are selected, what would have been the logic and reason for leaving them out on an all-important dress rehearsal series against South Africa? And furthermore why create so much of unnecessary noise and unwanted distraction? This latest fiasco does not augur well for team unity and this can severely affect the team's chances of winning its 3rd World Cup.It has been commented on umpteen occasions that the actions of the WICB over the years have reeked of blunders after blunders. However, they seem to be systemic and regardless of whoever is the administrator the problems are repeated. It will remain a case of classic of administrative madness if the governance system is not overhauled as has been recommended by the PJ Patterson Report and several commentators including past and present players.
Another problem that is likely to resurface and which has been a characteristic of West Indian cricket and politics is the issue of insularity. This is not healthy for the sport given its current state of affairs both regionally and internationally.To have a reversal of the current bottom of the table position (being ahead of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe is no cause for celebrations after ruling the world for 15 years) requires making the best decisions for West Indies cricket which should be bigger than the egos of all and sundry.Happy holidays and a bright and prosperous 2015 to all athletes, administrators, sponsors and the Caribbean fans of all sporting disciplines.