Are we facing a Calypso summer of discontent?
Roar Guru
By Michael C, 18 Sep 2009 Michael C is a Roar Guru
In just over two months time, the first ball of the first Test of an Australia Vs West Indies series will be bowled at the Gabba.In the past, when I grew up across the late 70s and into through the 80s, this was perhaps a more anticipated tour than even an Ashes tour.
Alas, this year, the West Indies cricket ‘team’ has been embroiled in contractual disputes, seeing a very much ‘C grade’ side taking on and losing 2-0 to Bangladesh in a Test series at home.
Sadly – or not – the ‘contractual dispute’ has seemingly been a smokescreen for a power struggle within West Indies cricket.
The West Indies has been an astounding ‘multi-national’ International team. However, there are many who are discontented with the operations of the WICB. What probably seems clear is that restructuring and a more modern approach is required.
Ironically, a couple of days ago, Alan Stanford appeared in court too poor to afford a lawyer.
From a selfish perspective, I just hope that something happens to ensure we get as near to a full strength Windies side touring Australia this summer. Sadly, this story is flying pretty well under the radar in Australian mainstream media.
It may come as a big shock on November 26 at the Gabba if Tino Best or Kemar Roach is trundling in instead of Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor or Darren Powell.
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Greg said | September 18th 2009 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
The current situation in the West Indies is a tragedy, as is the pathetic inaction of the international cricket community over the erosion of Caribbean cricket for the last 15 years. Specific issues have to be addressed in the region, but the dysfunctional administration internationally (first the gin ‘n’ tonic administration’s model followed by the bitter and twisted Indian-fueled agenda) should be ashamed.
Dave said | September 18th 2009 @ 3:40pm | Report comment
They’ll sort it out or they’ll have something in the contract that will allow them to replzce the west indies with Sri Lanka
Joe FC said | September 18th 2009 @ 5:39pm | Report comment
The signs are certainly not encouraging. A full strength West Indies team will struggle to be competitive let alone a weakened one. As you say Michael C the current situation is a long way from the mid 70s through mid 90s and there doesn’t seem to be any reason to think it’s going to improve in a hurry.
prowling panther said | September 20th 2009 @ 9:37pm | Report comment
its just not cricket
tis quite sad to see the once mighty windies in their current state. Im predicting the begining of the end for ODIs in Australia this summer. It seems cricket lovers prefer the two extremes of tests or T20s and simply have no interest to the game in between. The ‘Ashes” ODIs have received minimal coverage here.
PS: I recently discovered Billy Birmingham’s the12th man…funniest stuff ive heard in years
AndyRoo said | October 16th 2009 @ 4:58pm | Report comment
About 6 weeks to go and still no press about this test.
Dave1 said | October 16th 2009 @ 5:56pm | Report comment
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/14/2713747.htm
“Windies board settles pay dispute
Posted October 14, 2009 11:26:00
Updated October 14, 2009 13:01:00
A long-running dispute between West Indies cricketers and officials has been resolved.
The West Indies Cricket Board and the Players Association have been at odds over contracts and payments, prompting the side to boycott competition.
A joint statement says all outstanding matters have been settled amicably and the agreement will ensure the long-term development of the sport.
The West Indies begins a tour of Australia next month……”