By Tony Becca - On The Boundary 
CRICKET IN the West Indies is losing its appeal, fewer and fewer youngsters are playing the game, sponsors are dropping out one by one, and listening to the fans, it appears that the reason is because the West Indies team has not been doing well in recent times.
Remembering that people love winners, that may well be true.
There is, however, another reason. The attitude of the present generation of West Indies cricketers, enough of them, is hurting the game.
In years gone by, the fans felt close to their heroes. Today, however, the fans, enough of them, do not feel so, and most times it is the fault of the players.
In years gone by, the fans felt that their heroes were part of them, that they were from their midst, and the players treated them with respect.
Today, however, that, generally, is not so, and if you listen to the fans, what you will hear is that it is not their fault. The fans are saying that although they are part of them, although they are from their midst, their heroes, those who are blessed with the ability, those who are provided with the opportunity to represent the West Indies, no longer behave as if they are one of them.
According to the fans, their heroes have now removed themselves from them, and in many ways, and for whatever reason, that is so.
But for a few, West Indies cricketers today are aloof and that is evident, for example, in their attitude towards people, including youngsters, seeking autographs, and sponsors who invite them to functions.
Maybe it is all because cricket is now professional and players are earning well and are therefore more independent, and maybe it is because times have changed and people in general are not as courteous as they used to be.
Whatever it is, however, it is damaging the image of cricket, because of that it is hurting the game, and if it is allowed to continue, there will be less and less spectators, there will be less and less sponsors, and obviously there will be less and less youngsters playing the game.
Apart from the fact the future of the game depends on the number of youngsters who play the game, it should also be obvious to the players that the level of their remuneration depends on the number of spectators and sponsors that the game attracts.
The West Indies Board needs to tell the players the facts of life. The players need to know that part of their responsibility as professionals is to sell the game and that is their interest to do so.
One way for the players to sell the game, is to stop preening themselves and behaving like prima donnas and to train and practice so that they can win.
Equally important, however, is this: instead of behaving like they are God's gift to the game, instead of behaving like their countrymen owe them something because of their gift and because they represent them, they should count their blessings, thank God for their talent, come out of the clouds, enjoy the game and be humble.
West Indies cricket, right now, would do well with players who the people feel love the game, enjoy playing the game, try their best all the time and who appreciate spectators and sponsors. West Indies cricket would do well with an ambassador like Courtney Walsh, with one like Richie Richardson and, outside of cricket, with one like Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
One of the greatest basketball players of all time, one of the greatest sportsmen of all time, "Magic" loved the game, he believed that he had an obligation to his team and the fans to try to do his best all the time, because of that he wanted to be at his best all the time, and because of that, although he was the best, he practiced incessantly.
Did "Magic" enjoy the game? The smile on his face, especially after a brilliant move, said he did, and because he enjoyed himself, the fans also enjoyed themselves.
That was why they kept going back to see him play and why the Los Angeles Lakers were never short of sponsors.
