Administering Last Rites

New dispensation or old cricketers? As we survey the carcass of West Indies cricket, the need to separate ourselves from the personalities involved become more and more evident.

If unity could be regarded as strength, the cabal that rose together to defend Ricky Skerritt from dismissal should be described as unified. Pat Rousseau and Clarvis Joseph were sent packing. A new era was said to be in sight, where cricketers would benefit from having like-minded people in administration of the game in the Caribbean.

What do we have now? Crisis and Chaos at every turn. An acting CEO, no coach, no captain, no manager, no plan, and a reverend/politician who spends more time trying to figure out what is the most expedient thing to do in order to be 'popular'.

The most ironic twist is that having used Skerritt as a reason to oust Rousseau and Joseph and then to get rid of Gregory Shillingford, they're now about to dump Skerritt. Aaaah, the principle of it all.

But let's get to the players. It begs repeating that the players are not unified. There is a constant battle between the senior and junior cricketers, who ironically again make up most of the executive of the WIPA, as to the split of the funds. This plays its part in the whole debacle as the players, stricken with trying to share funds amongst themselves, are now resorting to turning onto the hand that supposedly is feeding them.

Meanwhile at the head table, sits certain elements of the media, silent whilst chewing, knowing that Dehring is serving the main course in 2007. Daring not to speak out. Even those on the porch looking in are with their mouths shut. "Ring, ring! Hello? Is Mr Cozier there?"

Is this the apocalypse of West Indies cricket? Maybe that's why we need a reverend and a virtual choir acting as the main critical media in accompaniment. Where are the social observations of our man Dr Hilary Beckles, another one of those who called for players to be in charge? Well, here you have it Dr Beckles. Former players in charge, current players showing their new found powers.

Meanwhile, on the field, West Indies are preparing to face the mighty Australians who are being encouraged to not lose their mental focus. That's a serious danger, because faced with an administration on the back peddle and players more interested in their cut, than learning how to play a proper square-cut, I would not blame any Australian from looking across and feeling they have won already.

But, we shall keep on 'rallying' because we know no better. Our commentators are busy playing dotish, our fans with misguided loyalties to personalities. And our players just want to be appreciated for the hard work they put in, poverty bound as they are.

Long live West Indies cricket. Rally!

At least we have someone qualified to give last rites in charge.