Cricket West Indies Summit Identifies Key Priorities for Change to Improve Team Performance
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The path to reviving West Indies cricket’s past success will be challenging due to numerous obstacles affecting the region’s position in international cricket. However, with the united and dedicated efforts of all stakeholders within the Caribbean cricket community, a revival is achievable.
These thoughts were voiced by Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring during a media briefing at the end of a two-day emergency summit at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on August 10 and 11. The summit included members of the Cricket Strategy & Officiating Committee (CSOC), cricket legends, and current players, such as captains Roston Chase and Shai Hope, who discussed a variety of factors impacting team performance.
Key areas of discussion included the effectiveness of player development pathways, the competitiveness of domestic leagues, systems for international preparation, stakeholder alignment, financial resources, and player mental health. At the post-summit briefing, panelists— including CSOC Chair Enoch Lewis, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Brian Lara—underscored the necessity of a team effort to elevate West Indies cricket’s status.
“Cricket West Indies can’t achieve this alone. Many elements, such as age group cricket and school programs, are not under our purview,” Dehring stated. “While we have raw talent, there is a significant gap in resources compared to other cricket-playing regions.”
“This gap, especially in academies and high-performance centers, can only be closed collectively. I’m confident that we can overcome these challenges and restore West Indies cricket to its rightful place,” he added.
The summit recognized that the issues facing West Indies cricket are systemic. Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe remarked, “We need comprehensive strategies to tackle challenges at every level of our cricket system.” He emphasized the importance of detailed recommendations for meaningful change in the West Indies cricket landscape.
Dehring noted several areas needing improvement, including infrastructure, practice facilities, and domestic tournaments. A critical recommendation was the establishment of a high-performance center with the latest cricket training amenities and the reinforcement of a synergistic coaching education system. Moving forward, the CWI Management will develop recommendations for the Board of Directors to implement immediately and keep the public informed about subsequent actions.
