Caribbean cricket greats—Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul—and head coach Daren Sammy recently met in Trinidad for a high-stakes summit to address the deepening crisis in West Indies cricket. The meeting resulted in a comprehensive 100-point action plan designed to overhaul the sport from grassroots to the international level.
The urgency of this gathering came in the wake of a humiliating Test collapse against Australia, which highlighted systemic weaknesses. Cricket West Indies (CWI) executives, including CEO Chris Dehring and Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, joined the legends in committing to structural reforms rather than cosmetic fixes.
Among the hundred recommendations, five core focus areas stood out. First, modernizing facilities across the region to provide players with world-class training environments. Second, ensuring high-quality practice pitches to sharpen technical skills. Third, elevating the standard of domestic tournaments to bridge the gap between regional and international cricket. Fourth, tackling development gaps in coaching, fitness, and tactical awareness. And fifth, establishing a high-performance framework, including regional academies and a clearly defined “West Indies way” of playing the game.
Brian Lara, speaking candidly, emphasized that modern cricket operates on a playing field shaped by technology, data analytics, and commercial power—areas where the West Indies have lagged. He urged the board to align player incentives with current realities, particularly in balancing lucrative T20 franchise opportunities with national commitments. Clive Lloyd echoed this sentiment, stressing that pride in the maroon jersey must be rebuilt alongside structural change.
Miles Bascombe characterized the situation as a deep-rooted, long-term challenge, requiring coordinated action at every stage of player development—from school cricket programs to the senior national team. The plan also includes lobbying the International Cricket Council for special financial assistance, citing the West Indies’ historic contribution to global cricket.
The roadmap is not simply a wishlist—it’s intended to be actionable, with deadlines, measurable goals, and a monitoring process to ensure progress. The execution phase will involve infrastructure upgrades, revamped coaching systems, talent scouting reforms, and fan engagement initiatives aimed at reigniting regional passion for the sport.
While the meeting marked an important milestone, the success of this revival effort will hinge on disciplined follow-through. The legends have provided the vision; now the challenge lies in converting that vision into tangible results on and off the field. If implemented effectively, this plan could represent the most significant turning point for West Indies cricket in decades, shifting it from decline to a renewed era of competitiveness and pride.