Legendary Caribbean batter Brian Lara has lashed out at West Indies Cricket Board for lack of facilities at the grasroots and academy level. Lara said that money is not the only solution to the problems West Indies cricket is facing as far as the longest format is concerned.
The comments were made after West Indies suffered a defeat by an innings and 114 runs at Lord's, London.
“If you put 100 million, 200 million dollars into the West Indies’ bank account, is it going to change the way we play the game? I’m not sure. We are not harnessing the talent that we have,” said Lara to BBC World Service’s Stumped podcast.
Coming off a historic win at the Gabba in their previous Test, West Indies could not put up a challenge as Gus Atkinson bagged 12 wickets on his debut. Recently, Rovman Powell-led West Indies failed to make it past the Super 8 stage in ICC Men's T20 World Cup. They are placed eighth in the ICC Test rankings and sixth on World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table.
“Obviously, cricket has been diluted by the number of different sports and different opportunities for kids, but I still believe that corporate West Indies have got to get involved,” the southpaw said.
“The West Indies Cricket Board hasn’t done the right job in attracting these sponsors to ensure that at least grassroots, but also the academy, all the different things, the facilities, are up to standard. I think these things are very, very important,” he added.
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Brathwaite disappointed after batters’ dismal show
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite was disappointed with his team’s batting performance. He lauded the bowling department for showing discipline and believes that the batters have the talent to perform in these conditions.
“Obviously disappointed with ourselves. With the bat, batting first, scoring just 100 odd, we were pretty much behind the game. With the bat we didn't come to the party this game at all in both innings. With the ball still could be better and more disciplined but still a positive in that for the moment. I do believe it but the guys have to believe it as well. They have a lot of ability and talent and it's just about coming here and showcasing. This is the world stage, pitted against a good team. I believe in the guys They just got to stay mentally strong after a defeat. It is a bit of pressure yes, but got be strong mentally,” Brathwaite said in the post-match presentation.
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