“I don’t think we can continue with this present president,” proclaimed former West Indies legendary fast bowler, Sir Andy Roberts, in a open and candid interview yesterday on the Good Morning JoJo Sports Show as he was asked of the intent to support WICB President, Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron in the March 7 elections for the presidency of the Board.
“I think we need to have somebody else who has a different outlook to see West Indies Cricket moving forward.” Roberts added, “I cannot even say that we’re moving backwards whereas we should be moving forwards.”
The West Indies Cricket Team has been mired in mediocrity for over a decade, with their last World Championship, at any level, coming in 2012 at the ICC World Twenty20 tournament. With the Cricket World Cup slated to begin February 14, the team ranks eighth in the world in ODI’s.
The team makeup and selection policy has come into question on several occasions, as many of the underperforming cricketers have been given a long leash to fix the woes that have plagued team success in recent times.
“I think West Indies Cricket needs to have a new direction. I think we need to have a clean sweep and have different people administering the game, because you need different views. ‘Cause the views we have had from the early 2000s, where the majority of the directors are the same… the majority of the personnel are the same, you can see we are not going anywhere,” a frustrated Roberts declared.
Many of the nation’s former legends have been criticised for not playing a greater role in the affairs of West Indies Cricket. Roberts, explained, however, that this is not the fault of the legends, but the fault of the administration which does not take advice.
“As far as the administration goes right now, you have to be supportive of whatever decision they make for you to get to assist in helping West Indies Cricket.” Robert indicated that, “if you check the amount of former great players that are sitting on the sideline, it is because they say it as they see it and our administrators don’t like that! They like to have ‘yes’ people around them.”
St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has joined the firing line as he has also called for Cameron to step down. Gonsalves said the president is mainly responsible for the pull out by West Indies, which has left the board facing a $41.97 million lawsuit.
The West Indies make their World Cup bid on 16 February against Ireland in Pool B at Saxton Oval, Nelson, New Zealand.
