WICB Disgraces Memory of Val

Alfred "Alf" Valentine was born on April 29 1930 and debuted for the West Indies in 1950. Alf Valentine and Sonny Ramadhin became overnight sensations against England in 1950 when, as 20 year olds, they were instrumental in defeating England 3-1. Valentine's haul in the four match series was 33 wickets at an average of 20.42 and he had the distinction of taking the first eight wickets in his first test innings. Valentine and Ramadhin went on to form a spin duo that became a part of West Indian cricketing folklore. So successful were these two players that their feats were immortalised by a Trinidadian calypsonian in the song "Those Two Little Pals of Mine."

Valentine's career spanned twelve years, during which time he played 36 tests and took 139 wickets at an average of 30.32. No other West Indian left arm spinner has been as successful as him. Along the way he became the first West Indian to capture 100 wickets.

Valentine died on 11 May 2004 and the manner in which his passing was acknowledged by the WICB left much to be desired. The West Indies Cricket team was on the verge of beginning its ODI series against Bangladesh when the news of his death broke.

However, when the team took to the field in Arnos Vale there was not even a moment's silence in recognition of Valentine's achievements. There were no black armbands worn and the West Indian flag remained at full mast.

This blatant disregard caused journalist Tony Cozier to be so incensed that he had to inquire from a WICB official whether or not they had any plans to pay their respects to Valentine. That the official could even quip that the team was in mourning hence their poor showing in the first ODI highlights how little importance is paid to things that really do matter.

Unofficial reports claimed that the authorities thought the first test match scheduled for St Lucia would be the more appropriate setting for Valentine's tribute as he had never played in an ODI. However, once again the players took to the field in Beausejour minus armbands.

That such a situation should occur is unpardonable and management ranging from top level down to the team management must take the blame here. If the recent death of 'Uncle Les' was important enough to warrant publicly wearing armbands, how then can Alf Valentine not be accorded the same honour?

It has often been said that the current team is ignorant of West Indian cricket history and that many would not recognise or even know of the exploits of the great players. This is in stark contrast to how easy it is for us to identify with the exploits of a Magic Johnson or be able to recognise a Pele. Yet a glorious opportunity of linking the past to the present was missed and once again management must hang its head in shame.

For too long we have witnessed foul-ups coming from the leadership which makes one wonder about the competence of those entrusted with taking us forward. We had to hang our heads in embarrassment with respect to the over age players sent to the U19 World Cup, and most recently the "C-Paul/C-Baugh" fiasco. Now, we have the death of a great and amazingly they managed to foul that up too.

Those in management must be aware that any reputation the West Indies cricket team enjoys is a testimony to the great men on whose backs the legacy was created. Therefore, if we stand tall in any way it's because we stand on the backs of those who came before us.

We can never afford to lose sight of this. It is bad enough to wait until death to honour our heroes but it becomes a shame, a disgrace even, that we can't get it right even then.