Chris Dehring, Managing Director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc. has called for a systematic overhaul of West Indies cricket.
Speaking at the 2007 GraceKennedy Schoolboy Cricket Awards Ceremony held at the Golf View Hotel on Tuesday, June 26, Mr. Dehring challenged the cricket boards in the region to develop a comprehensive plan for West Indies cricket.
Mr. Dehring was very strident in his presentation as he indicated the three main reasons he think is wrong with the region’s cricket. “West Indies cricket board is the most democratic of all boards in world cricket, but the persons who are running the board are not the necessary the best persons in currently in charge,” said Dehring. He made it clear that he believes in democracy; however he believes that we need to hire capable officials to manage the West Indies Cricket affairs.
Dehring also saw Global New Order of world sports as the next factor affecting West Indies cricket. With reference to the English Cricket Board he chided the West Indies board for not developing a professional structure. “The ECB receives $150,000 for domestic league and the West Indies receives nothing. It is important to note that the ECB sole responsibility is not to develop the game and not the players,” he said. The county clubs develop the players and the board focuses on selecting their squad from these club members.
The other factor as seem by Dehring as the main factor affecting West Indies cricket is the Insularity. “There are fourteen member countries that make up the West Indies Board-if thirteen are in agreement to a particular change and on is not, then there is a major problem as we now have instability.”
Dehring, made a further impassionate appeal for the commencement of a professional league which is purely commercial. “This league needs to be based in one particular preferably to reduce expenditure. The clubs should ensure that they earn enough and in the interim pay the players well.” He further stressed that we should see these clubs as a business and of such should be treated as one.
In closing his 30 minute address Dehring, urged the young cricketers not to be disheartened by the poor performance by the West Indies team. Everything that I have achieved in life I would give it all up just to have worn that maroon cap of the West Indies onto the field of play,” he said. “I implore you boys do not let the nepotism of West Indies cricket stop you from following your dream. Work hard at your game-train at least for 8-9 hours of the day; rehearse your strokes or deliveries at least for four hours per day.
Posted: July 12, 2007 |
