Darren Sammy didn’t hold back when talking about the decline of West Indies Test cricket, comparing it to a “cancer” that has been growing slowly over many years. The two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain said that while young players have plenty of role models in the shorter formats, Test cricket in the Caribbean is struggling because of deep-rooted problems.
Sammy joked that the last time West Indies won a Test series in India was back in 1983 - the year he was born. But then he got serious. He explained that the problems with West Indies Test cricket didn’t start recently but have been building for a long time. “It’s like a cancer in the system,” he said, emphasizing that the issues run deep, not just on the surface.
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West Indies recently lost the first Test against India by an innings and 140 runs, and fans were disappointed by the team’s lack of fight. Legendary batsman Brian Lara has also spoken about how many players aren’t keen on playing Test cricket anymore. Sammy agreed and said that the team can only work with the players who are willing to give their best.
He admitted that the West Indies cricket setup has struggled with poor facilities, fewer resources, and less technology compared to top cricketing nations. The gap between the world’s strongest teams and West Indies has grown wider over the years. Sammy pointed out that this financial struggle has been ongoing for a long time.
Sammy also talked about an event where Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul are trying to find sponsors to help improve West Indies cricket. For Sammy, the biggest challenge is simply finding players who want to represent the West Indies in Test cricket. When he calls a player for selection, he hopes they accept the chance.
He regrets that when West Indies were once the best team globally, they didn’t capitalize on the commercial opportunities as India has done in recent years. Sammy mentioned that while West Indies were playing long Test series in one place, other boards were benefiting financially. Now, he says, the team needs better financial support to grow and succeed again.
Above all, Sammy believes West Indies cricket deserves more respect and resources because of its rich history and significant contribution to the game.