This post is contributed by a freelance writer who wishes to remain annonymous.

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The West Indies team just recently pulled off a memorable victory against England exacting punishment for the same humiliation they were on the wrong end of by the same team just a few years ago.

Supporters celebrate but do you think the West Indies has turned the corner? Methinks not! West Indian supporters are only setting themselves up for more heartbreak...and by the way, are you guys following the recent debacle in Antigua where the 2nd test match had to be shifted because of the conditions at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium? It's a crying shame given that the same thing occurred at Sabina Park just a few short years ago...

I say West Indies cricket is doomed unless the following areas are addressed pronto!

Education

• This I know is a touchy subject. Suffice it to say that minimum educational standards must be set for players. The approach to the game coupled with technology requires a thinking player. Someone who understands the art of competing and winning, people who articulate clearly…who can receive, interpret and execute strategy but most important of all, be able to adapt to changing tactics and circumstances on the field.

Performance Evaluation

• Implement and make public a performance-based system. Players have become “fat” and complacent with “earn regardless of performance” pay schemes. Abort this system right away and develop and establish a meritocracy – a system that rewards players for individual performance, team contribution, and other criteria designed to bring the best out of each player and ultimately the team.

Fundraising & Strategic Development

• Establish a structure that will raise the necessary funds to develop facilities and cricketers across the Caribbean with a five or ten-year business plan. These plans should be open to scouting and developing overseas players especially fast bowlers where physical traits influenced by better diet may be more ideal for the discipline.

Management & Board

• Get rid of the current Board and Management structure so steeped in politics, hell-bent on maintaining tradition and the status quo. Instead, implement one that is based purely on a “business” orientation and one that can be held to well-developed objective performance standards.

Do you agree? You can tell me where to jump off but give me reasons!


-- Edited by MZJ at 14:06, 2009-02-15