It has been reported, "That in November 2015, the West Indies Cricket Board resolved to rename itself as Cricket West Indies as part of a restructuring exercise that would also see the creation of a separate commercial body. This rebranding formally occurred in May 2017 ".
However, the History of cricket in this region is defined by the success of a team from the Caribbean called - West Indies. However, in the last 12 months, the West Indies Cricket Board now calling themselves Cricket West Indies, have apparently unilaterally decided to rename the West Indies team - the “Windies".
Where else in the world, 14 men, consisting of the 12 representatives from the territorial boards and the president and vice president could decide on such an important change for over seven million persons.
Of course, this was not properly ventilated and agreed by all on the Board of the West Indies. Given recent evidence, it is probably required that the minutes of such a meeting to take this decision be made available to the people of the region.
As we talk region, we have to examine, why is it, that CARICOM, which is suppose to be the group of Prime Ministers that represent the region has not objected to this change of name, or at least requested an explanation and subsequently received a reply.
It is a joke a travesty to expect that people with sense and a clear identity in the region will easily buy into the idea, that this is a great marketing tool, because quite frankly it is the worst idea ever. The global brand established by many great players and teams of the past, particularly pre 1992, will be forgotten, unless there is an expectation that the current team in the World Cup qualifiers can rise above their mediocre averages in the near future in Test cricket.
Therefore, one has to examine who will benefit from such a change, perhaps persons who have purchased the intellectual property rights to such names before the WICB came along with the idea. Also, what about those who have branding rights to such a name, and have to be paid off to acquire these rights now. Do we know if any of the above ever existed or still exist? And if so, why “Windies", as it sounds like a version for a low budgeted and unsuccessful movie title.uhmmm uhmmm, is that it?
Also, there is the question of any legal exposure by the West Indies Cricket Board to several matters they have outstanding not only with players, but also with other countries. What about possible matters in court now, but also others that may be in progress. This would appear to be a lot of legal manoeuvring if one was cynical and not trusting of those on the Board of management, but again without all the information being made public, a lot of questions will be raised and answers provided to avoid doubts.
It would have been interesting to listen to what previous Presidents of the WICB such as Pat Rousseau, Ken Gordon, Wes Hall and Dr Julian Hunte thought about these changes. More importantly, what about the great players like, Sir Everton Weekes, Wes Hall, Sir Garry Sobers, Lance Gibbs, Sir Vivian Richards, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Lawrence Rowe, Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd, Brian Charles Lara, Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose. Did anyone seek to gather their opinions, or was this Boardroom decision made in haste and with particular agendas?
And then most importantly, what about the people of The region. We know for certain they were not included and just maybe it is time for the people of the region to get a voice and go into action; that is those who care about cricket and the legacy.
Something does not make sense, something does not add up, and this doubt, this disquiet, suggests that the people of the region need to know more. At the moment, it is safe to say that all of the senior and experienced players are wary when dealing with the current leadership of West Indies cricket.
