Tony Becca, Contributing Editor
LLOYD
FORMER WEST Indies captain Clive Lloyd believes that although West Indies cricket is ailing, it is not dead, and there is no need to panic.
According to the man rated one of the greatest captains of all time, however, the West Indies must act with a sense of urgency or else! And to ringing rounds of applause at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday night, he presented to a room full of cricketers, administrators, sponsors and fans some recommendations which, if accepted and implemented, he believes can get the West Indies back to their winning ways.
The biggest applause, however, was not for one of his recommendations. It was for a few words earlier in his address as the guest speaker at the First Citizens Bank-sponsored West Indies Players Association's (WIPA) annual awards banquet a few words which suggested that Lloyd believes that West Indians should be leading the recovery process.
"Firstly, we must recognise that the remedy for the recovery lies within our own borders and within ourselves," said Lloyd. "My friends, we must trust in our abilities and believe in this now 77-year-old institution that is West Indies cricket, and what has sustained us for these many years - competent administration, dedicated homegrown talent, informed, imaginative leadership and a work environment where discipline and excellence are the norm."
Earlier, after reminding the gathering that the West Indies won the ICC Champions Trophy last year, after pointing to that performance as proof that West Indies cricket is not dead, Lloyd said, to another resounding round of applause, "Sadly, the victorious West Indian coach Gus Logie was not afforded the luxury in the ensuing months of basking in the glory of that triumph."
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Lloyd recommendations for the recovery of West Indies cricket include a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) that should comprise knowledgeable people with international cricket experience, and a board that should co-opt former West Indies cricketers, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and utilise them accordingly.
"In other words," said Lloyd, "do not put square pegs in round holes. What we need is a cricket committee of former West Indies players with no other agenda but the development of West Indies cricket at all levels throughout the region."
CALLS FOR PACE BOWLING SCHOOL
Recalling the importance of fast bowling during the glory days of West Indies cricket, Lloyd also called for a school for pace bowlers, for an academy that should be linked to the University of the West Indies, and for regular 'A' team tours.
The school, according to Lloyd, would nurture genuine prospective fast bowlers in proper technique, training regimen, mental and physical preparation and corrective measures to pre-empt and prevent the spate of problems that currently plague young West Indian fast bowlers.
The academy would not only produce quality players but also worthy ambassadors of the region, and the 'A' team, with a long-term manager, coach and trainer, would prepare the talented young player for Test cricket, he said.
According to Lloyd, who spent years in English county cricket representing Lancashire, 'A' team tours would make up for the present situation in which there is hardly a West Indian playing county cricket.
"Having served their apprenticeship in the 'A' team and completing this right of passage to the satisfaction of coaches and selectors, and deemed mentally, physically and professionally capable to cope with the rigours of the game, then, and only then, should they be eligible to represent the West Indies," said Lloyd.
Lloyd's final words were aimed at the WIPA.
"My friends, as WIPA acknowledges the stellar achievements of its own this evening, we must salute them for their stewardship of these heroes as they represent them under some times challenging conditions. We must give them our support and you gentlemen, as you continuously negotiate for improved player contracts and a level playing field and the general well-being of the players at all times, I urge you to pursue a path of conciliation rather than confrontation with an underpinning of mutual respect, not rancour."
That was also greeted by a ringing round of applause.
