“That mindset has to change.”

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has delivered a fiercely critical assessment of West Indies’ selection process under Daren Sammy. 

While theorising how to help instil a ‘West Indies first’ mindset in the current crop of players in the era of franchise cricket, Ali said a clear performance-oriented selection process would go a long way.

He admitted his evaluation of Windies’ current all-format head coach “might be a bit harsh” but told The Super Over podcast, “I do feel Sammy sometimes picks his favourites and not necessarily the best players that are currently in the West Indies.” 

“I think that has to change. Not that you change the coach, but that mindset has to change. You've got to unite everyone first,” Ali continued.  

Read more...

@CaribbeanCricket.com wrote:

“That mindset has to change.”

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has delivered a fiercely critical assessment of West Indies’ selection process under Daren Sammy. 

While theorising how to help instil a ‘West Indies first’ mindset in the current crop of players in the era of franchise cricket, Ali said a clear performance-oriented selection process would go a long way.

He admitted his evaluation of Windies’ current all-format head coach “might be a bit harsh” but told The Super Over podcast, “I do feel Sammy sometimes picks his favourites and not necessarily the best players that are currently in the West Indies.” 

“I think that has to change. Not that you change the coach, but that mindset has to change. You've got to unite everyone first,” Ali continued. 

           Moeen Ali led the Falcons to the 2026 CPL title (CPL T20)

Read more...

@sandisha

@CaribbeanCricket.com wrote:

“That mindset has to change.”

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has delivered a fiercely critical assessment of West Indies’ selection process under Daren Sammy. 

While theorising how to help instil a ‘West Indies first’ mindset in the current crop of players in the era of franchise cricket, Ali said a clear performance-oriented selection process would go a long way.

He admitted his evaluation of Windies’ current all-format head coach “might be a bit harsh” but told The Super Over podcast, “I do feel Sammy sometimes picks his favourites and not necessarily the best players that are currently in the West Indies.” 

“I think that has to change. Not that you change the coach, but that mindset has to change. You've got to unite everyone first,” Ali continued. 

           Moeen Ali led the Falcons to the 2026 CPL title (CPL T20)

Read more...

Moeen could not have said it better although I believe unlike Moeen, Sammy should have been charged at least as Red ball coach long time.

Clearly Sammy doesn’t like Trini players in no format and certainly doesn’t like Alick Athanaze in any format and has destroyed his future . In fact Arthanaze , who was recently seen as one of our best players was dropped from the test team as soon as Sammy became captain before a game under him, despite the fact that it was his half century in the last test against Pakistan under a different coach in Pakistan that helped us win. I feel with the talent Arthanaze possesses he should have scored more runs but after 17 matches in each format where he averages 23 runs in each format, is not fair to Arthanaze to dropped from all formats. In fact see Royston Chase in 61 tests ave just 26, in his 72 ODIs averages 25.85 and in his 60 t20’s he’s ave is 23.5 is not much better than the 27 year old Arthanaze. So I just don’t get it with Sammy.

Ouch!

Won't read much into that. Moeen has his opinion on how he sees things, but look at the current team setup and ask yourself whether the absolute best talents are sitting in the Caribbean right now.

The real issue isn't just about 'favorites'—it’s about how we manage our players. Take a young talent like Jewel Andrew: I don't mind him touring and being part of the squad setup to learn the ropes, but throwing him straight into the playing XI for the first game against an opponent like India is a recipe for a sink-or-swim situation. We have to be smarter about how and when we deploy young players instead of exposing them too early.

@sandisha

@Poggy wrote:

Won't read much into that. Moeen has his opinion on how he sees things, but look at the current team setup and ask yourself whether the absolute best talents are sitting in the Caribbean right now.

The real issue isn't just about 'favorites'—it’s about how we manage our players. Take a young talent like Jewel Andrew: I don't mind him touring and being part of the squad setup to learn the ropes, but throwing him straight into the playing XI for the first game against an opponent like India is a recipe for a sink-or-swim situation. We have to be smarter about how and when we deploy young players instead of exposing them too early.

I agree with your comment regarding Jewel Andrew.

I don't see any rationale in Moen Ali's statement regarding Sammy picking favourites. Hw should have named players he think should have been in the squad and aren't.

I read someone make a comment for Athanaze. I am disappointed that to date Athanaze hasn't cemented a place in format for WI but that cannot be blamed on the coach.

A poison chalice - this system which gives the headcoach the final say in selecting squads. With a struggling team any coach in that position will come in for a tapping.

During Sammy's tenure there gas been improvements in the players. Alas there are many problem that keep undermining progress. And we must not for the insularity.

Sammy isn't pointed coach for life. And the natural reaction after his tenure are for those who are his compatriots to disparage anyone who replaces.

Some of the opinions I read and hear sometimes are plain ridiculous

@Poggy wrote:

Won't read much into that. Moeen has his opinion on how he sees things, but look at the current team setup and ask yourself whether the absolute best talents are sitting in the Caribbean right now.

The real issue isn't just about 'favorites'—it’s about how we manage our players. Take a young talent like Jewel Andrew: I don't mind him touring and being part of the squad setup to learn the ropes, but throwing him straight into the playing XI for the first game against an opponent like India is a recipe for a sink-or-swim situation. We have to be smarter about how and when we deploy young players instead of exposing them too early.

Too much sense here!

@InHindsight wrote:

Sammy isn't pointed coach for life.

I suspect you meant appointed.

if so, it sure seems that he’ll retain his position and powers everywhere in WI cricket for as long as this CWI administration is in charge.