West Indies Cricket CEO Jonny Grave launched a scathing criticism against the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other prominent cricketing nations, expressing deep concern about the current state of affairs in the sport. Grave, in a recent statement, accused the broader cricketing community of deliberately hindering the resurgence of West Indies cricket.
Once dominant in the 1970s and 80s, the Windies have experienced a decline in their global standing over the years. Grave’s frustration was palpable, particularly in the aftermath of West Indies’ tour of Australia in January-February 2024, where the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw.
Furthermore, Grave lamented the ineffectiveness of the financial model employed by the ICC in governing global cricket. He argued that this model has disproportionately disadvantaged West Indies Cricket, leading to a significant loss of revenue estimated between 5-7 percent. Grave’s comments shed light on the systemic challenges faced by smaller cricketing nations, particularly in terms of financial sustainability and competitive opportunities.
Grave said: “”I think everyone is a bit sick of the phrase – world cricket needs a strong West Indies – when we definitely feel that world cricket is doing everything they can at almost every level to make sure that West Indies Cricket are never strong again.”
“I think that’s the borne of the frustration of that as Ian Bishop says in his own words that this is a patronising tone. If you really want a strong West Indies Cricket, it would actually not be that hard to do a bit more. ICC are giving us more money in headlines but our percentage of revenue has gone down from 7% to 5%, which we struggle to understand.”
Grave’s outspoken critique underscores the urgency for reform within the cricketing establishment to address the disparities and inequities that continue to plague the sport. The plight of West Indies Cricket serves as a stark reminder of the need for a more inclusive and balanced approach to governance and resource allocation in international cricket. As discussions surrounding the future of the sport intensify, Grave’s remarks serve as a rallying cry for greater accountability and support for smaller cricketing nations striving to reclaim their former glory on the world stage.
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