The Nature of The Beast

A few months ago, I wrote a column expressing my displeasure at the clandestine manner in which the West Indies Cricket Board carried out most of its functions, and had suggested quite emphatically that that was an area which needed to be revised, for fluidity to exist in our cricket.

I opined that team selection and other such important elements of our cricket, had taken on too much of a mafia-like aura, and would eventually bring integrity and fairness of process into question. By no means would I profess to be a soothsayer, but from all indications my opinion, if not prediction, was justified.

The recent faux pas, in which fast bowler Cameron Cuffy was selected and reportedly without notice; omitted from the Champions Trophy squad, has done nothing to allay my suspicions, it has simply heightened them. In addition, the reported exclusion of captain Carl Hooper and coach Roger Harper -- two key decision-makers -- from that selection process, coupled with the sudden and unexpected announcement of the squad to tour India, serve as reminders that "the more things change, the more they remain the same".

Basic protocol is ignored. It is unacceptable that two of the main individuals -- answerable to the board -- were not consulted on the squad's composition. Clearly, the board intends to remain in its ultra-secret mafiosi state, and will go to any length, to satisfy their preferences, as well as a few "outsiders" that may have unlimited and/or uninhibited access to them, and their deliberations.

My accusatory line of thinking, as regards this "outsider access", stems from the fact that some individuals - not WICB officials - are somehow able to make accurate, informed statements and predictions at times when most of us - even at times, captain and coach - are none the wiser of what action the board or selectors might take.

For example, because of the probing that emanated from certain influential sections of the media, about eligibility rule changes, etc., there was the strong inclination that - given the source of the "call" - the board would eventually figure Barbadian all-rounder Vasbert Drakes into the scheme of things.

The signs were there. I must admit, however, that in my wildest dream, I could not have conjured up the bold, disrespectful and unapologetic move made by the board's Selection Committee. A case of questionable fitness was made against Cuffy and the selectors reacted with an uncanny swiftness. Chairman, Sir Viv Richards, an individual for whom I have the highest regard, made an unconvincing attempt to explain the reasons for the eleventh hour "switch". It just didn't fit. Even if Cuffy is unfit at this time, the whole scenario still smacks of callousness.

As if by an act of divine intervention, there has been a recent development from which all those who have been miscommunicated with, disrespected, mistreated and mishandled in the past by the powers that be, can probably take heart. In effect, it gives some hope that we/they may be exposed to less "surprises" in future.

Apparently, there is a mole, an "enemy" within the air-tight ranks.

In what can only be described as a journalistic coup, the Trinidad Guardian recently published excerpts of a confidential -- yes, you read correctly -- confidential report submitted to the WICB by two Australian state (Queensland) coaches, concerning the Shell Cricket Academy in Grenada.

Ashleigh Byron and Tim Coyle who were assigned to the Academy for a three week stint, made quite unflattering remarks about the programme, and unleashed a scathing attack on its director, Barbadian Dr. Rudi Webster, accusing him of "continually interfering" with and "imposing his will" on the players.

According to them, Webster continually changed the batting techniques of the players, and interfered with the action of two bowlers to the extent that they could have injured themselves. In no uncertain terms, they portrayed the director's style of management as being autocratic; if not dictatorial. The criticism of Webster was accompanied by a call for the discontinuation of the programme in its present format, and the recommendation that the WICB should end its association with the academy.

Unimpressive infrastructure, the staff and the management of the exercise, also took a pounding. They recommended the hiring of suitably qualified individuals from the region to deal with the areas of coaching and welfare, and for appropriate training and playing facilities, etc. Apart from the cricketing aspect of things, two disturbing incidents which allegedly took place during the course were also noted; the murder of one of the helpers, and the charge of rape against one of the academy students.

What I have just described is no ordinary occurrence. It represents the rarest of occasions when a very sensitive issue - associated in some way with the WICB - becomes public knowledge. We have been given the opportunity to observe the time of response to, and general handling of a crisis of significant magnitude, from a totally different perspective. The details have been hung out to dry, and all reactions and recommendations will be keenly noted.

The WICB's methods of communication, with respect to controversial cricketing matters, have gone from indifferent to almost cryptic. Nothing ever seems to be straightforward anymore. From the players' concerns over salaries, to team selection, to developmental issues, there has always been a sense that these matters are incomprehensible to mere mortals, and as such, are treated as highly sensitive and top-secret.

Though it is true that there are some things that should remain confidential, this modus operandi, if overdone, can be considered undesirable. Just ask Hooper and Harper.

An excellent example of the dangers of covert activity, was the misappropriation of a substantial amount of money from a board-controlled fund, by a relatively senior WICB official, which - unknown to anyone - ended up in bungled stock market investments. Many of our stars, most notably Courtney Walsh, suffered significant losses. To this day, we are yet to learn whether those who were distastefully cheated have been in any way recompensed.

Since that unsavoury incident, we have experienced a changing of the guard; popular opinion was that the Reverend Wes Hall's assumption of the board's presidency from the beleaguered Pat Rousseau, and the insertion of a few high-profile personalities in other key areas, would have paved the way for dramatic change. But, alas, if you ask me, it's all the same. I am by no means qualified to comment on Rev. Hall and company's ability, or lack thereof, to lead or inspire; but I will hazard a guess, that they have all fallen prey to the same indecision that plagued those who tried before them.

It's the nature of the beast!

Without exception, those who join the bandwagon whether by election or selection are consumed by the mind-altering vacuum effect which exist within. Individuals of unquestionable integrity, with well-earned reputations are often placed in unsuited roles, and pay the price. It is rather unfortunate, but to date, none of the "new blood" have displayed the fortitude or vision to take a detour from the old ways.

I remain steadfast in the belief that the unwritten codes of silence and secrecy within our cricketing circles at all levels will eventually cause its demise. Sometimes the simplest things mean a lot, and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to witness a measure of transparency, even if coerced (the leaked report), in the board's dealings.

Most likely, in the wake of that revelation, there is the distinct possibility that we may be in for some "adjustments". There is now the realization that within the tightly spun web of mystery and secrecy, lies an individual or group, who probably had his/her or their fair share of the complex and covert ,and is/are willing to rearrange the way things are done.

It may be deemed a malicious and dishonest act by some, but will be seen as a positive sign by many like myself, who for years have been longing for matters to be above board.