West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has spoken candidly about the team’s ongoing financial difficulties, acknowledging that they still have an effect on player morale and operations. Before the second Test match between India and the West Indies, which is set to start on October 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, the remark was made.
Earlier, in an effort to revive cricket in the West Indies, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a number of short- and long-term changes. The decision was made in response to an emergency meeting of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee that was attended by a number of cricket icons in August.
The historic loss to Australia at Sabina Park in the final Test of the July series was the most significant of a litany of dismal outcomes that prompted the meeting. The West Indies chased 204 runs but were bowled out for just 27—the second-lowest total in Test history. Many were alarmed about the condition of regional cricket after the team’s 3-0 clean sweep at home.
Legends Brian Lara and Sir Clive Lloyd, captains Shai Hope and Roston Chase, the head coach and team management, as well as former players Anthony Grey and Ramnaresh Sarwan, were among the many important stakeholders who attended the August session, according to a CWI release.
Daren Sammy further disclosed that, as part of a larger initiative to stabilise and build West Indies cricket, cricketing greats Sir Vivian Richards, Richie Richardson, and Lara had teamed up to increase sponsorship backing for the squad.
“It’s no secret. Self-finance has long been a source of our difficulties. This afternoon’s event is being hosted by Brian Lara, Viv Richards, and Richie Richardson in part to try to find sponsors to help with some of the areas that require upgrading,” Daren Sammy said media during the pre-game news conference.
When I call a player and inform him that he has been selected for the West Indies, and I hope he accepts the selection, that, in my opinion as a coach, tells us where our cricket is at. I recall getting a call from Zura when I was a teenage cricket player with the MCC at Lords in 2004. I recognised the area code 1268 as coming from Antigua. “I was thrilled, hoping it was a call from the West Indies Cricket Board; things have changed since then,” Daren Sammy continued.
In addition, Daren Sammy has challenged his players and coaching staff to work harder than their opponents rather than focussing on the lack of facilities, technology, or resources.
The team should be proud to represent the Caribbean, the head coach said, emphasising that dedication and hard work must fill the gaps left by budgetary limitations.
We are only able to work with what we have and the people who are willing. Daren Sammy stated, “It’s a problem that we can’t compete with some of the franchises around the world, but I always tell these guys that if we complain about not having the best facilities, not having as many players as the other teams, not having the best technology, and all these things that the other teams have. Then why the hell are they outworking us?”
I’m genuinely challenging them because the only way we could compete consistently is if we—the players and coaches—are willing to outwork the opposition, which we’re not doing. When you practise, train, and plan to be more specific and purposeful—and I have to repeat it again today—I see that they are beginning to grasp what we are attempting to accomplish,” Daren Sammy said.
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