Big challenges ahead for Pat Rousseau

Tony Becca, Senior Sport Editor

The recent campaign leading up to the election of the president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was tough and in many ways, uncompromising.

On one side, those supporting incumbent Pat Rousseau were adamant that he should be re-elected. According to them, Rousseau had done a good job during his four years in office.

On the other side, those objecting to Rousseau were equally adamant that he should go. According to them, including a number of ex Test players, Rousseau had neglected the development of the game and had marginalised ex players.

At the end of what many described as a bitter campaign, Rousseau triumphed comfortably over challenger Alloy Lequay, and as far as cricket fans were concerned that was that and things were back to normal.

Things, however, are not back to normal - certainly not in Barbados and Antigua, and not where some of the ex players are concerned.

The Rousseau camp in gloating, the Lequay camp - or rather the anti Rousseau camp is still fuming, and unless both sides bury the hatchet, West Indies cricket could suffer.

West Indies cricket could suffer for the simple reason that it needs all the help it can get.

West Indies cricket needs the help of sponsors, regardless of those who do not believe so, it needs the help of good administrators, and regardless of those who do not believe so, it also needs the help, the expertise, of its former players - especially those who were so great that their very presence could inspire young players around the region.

The lines, however, appear so well defined, the anger on both sides such that it may be difficult for them to come together. The players, it appears, are still determined to fight to the bitter end, and there are those in the Rousseau camp who, based on their utterances, are saying, well, if that is what they want, then so be it.

That, however, cannot be it - not if West Indies cricket is to return to its former glory.

On the field, a united team is fighting to recapture the glory of the old days, but with the best will in the world, it will not succeed if those behind the scenes are at war.

In the interest of West Indies cricket, therefore, the standoff must cease. Some one has to call a truce - a truce that will make peace between the two factions in the Board, and between the Board and the ex players.

The best man to do so is the president himself.

As the leader, Rousseau's responsibility is to lead in the interest of West Indies cricket, and this is a glorious opportunity for him to demonstrate his quality as a leader.

In the interest of West Indies cricket, Rousseau must call on his supporters in the Board and in the administration to let bygones be bygones, he must unite the Board, and remembering that they have been to the war and must have a lot to offer, he must find a way to encourage the disenchanted ex players to get involved in whatever way they can.

It will not be easy, but that now is Rousseau's challenge.

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