CWI pres Shallow hails ‘growth and grit’ after World Cup exit
Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Dr Kishore Shallow, has thrown his full weight behind Shai Hope and the Men’s T20 squad, describing their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign as a pivotal moment for the resurgence of Caribbean cricket despite a heartbreaking conclusion at Eden Gardens in India, yesterday.In an official statement released following the West Indies' exit against India, Dr Shallow emphasised that while the result in Kolkata was not the desired one, the tournament signalled a profound shift in the regional side’s trajectory.
While the journey ended shy of the final, the statistics tell a story of new-found consistency. The West Indies secured five wins out of seven matches, a run that saw them navigate a challenging path to the Super 8."Winning five of seven matches and advancing to the Super 8s is a testament to the preparation and commitment of this group," Dr Shallow stated. He noted that the campaign reflected a renewed sense of "growth, belief, and togetherness" within the squad.The president was keen to highlight the qualities displayed on the world stage. In a tournament where the pressure was at its peak, the "Maroon Men" showed a level of tenacity that resonated across the islands."Most encouraging was the spirit of resolve and fight displayed throughout the competition, a spirit that was needed more than ever," Shallow said. "That determination and pride in representing the region strengthened confidence across the Caribbean and reminded us of the character of West Indies cricket."
The CWI president also extended high praise to the backroom staff, specifically citing the leadership of head coach Daren Sammy. He credited the collective effort of the technical team for laying a professional foundation that will serve as the bedrock for future international assignments."Today, we are proud of our men in maroon and appreciative of the dedication of the backroom team," he added.Shallow confirmed that the organisation is already looking toward the next cycle, with a focus on building even greater unity."We will regroup, we will work, and we will compete again with even greater unity and purpose," he said, echoing the timeless regional anthem: "Rally Round the West Indies, now and forever."