The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket

West Indies cricket needs a fresh start

Sat, Sep 17, '16

 

WICB Under Scrutiny

It’s typical of the mismanagement that has afflicted West Indies cricket over a period of many years that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) would have chosen to sack its coach on the eve of the team’s departure for duties in the United Arab Emirates against Pakistan.

If the directors who voted in favour gave any thought to the likely negative impact of Mr Phil Simmons’ dismissal on West Indies cricket, and the players who must take the field, that thought was soon discarded.

Grenada’s prime minister, Mr Keith Mitchell, insists that this latest move by the WICB is consistent with past actions “motivated by spite and vendetta, rather than by what is in the best interest of West Indies cricket”.

All reports suggest that in the 18 months since he was appointed — including a six-month period in which he was suspended for speaking out on what he considered to be flawed team selection — Mr Simmons had gained the trust and respect of his players.