CWI announces comprehensive plan to reform West Indies cricket

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a set of reforms for reviving the West Indies cricket after years of inconsistency and disappointing performances. The decision comes in the aftermath of the West Indies’ collapse for just 27 runs against Australia in Kingston earlier this year, the second-lowest total in their Test history.

Seeing the urgent need for structural changes, the CWI’s Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, made up of legends like Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara, along with current leaders, has identified problem areas and presented both short-term and long-term action plans.

The committee was formed in August following a series of humiliating results, including the 3-0 home Test series defeat to Australia. Their mandate was to assess the issues affecting West Indies cricket and chart a roadmap for sustainable improvement. On September 25, the recommendations were presented to and approved by the CWI board, recording the beginning of what is hoped to be a long-term revival.

The committee pinpointed several challenges that have hindered the team’s progress. These included declining standards of regional tournaments, technical and mental skill deficiencies, a struggling franchise system, poor infrastructure, lack of specialist coaching, financial constraints, inadequate fitness standards, and fragmented player development pathways.

To address these concerns, CWI is set to take immediate measures to be implemented within six months. An internationally renowned batting coach will be recruited, while a full-time sports psychologist will join the men’s team. The women’s programme will also see upgrades, with coaching roles converted into full-time positions. Additionally, a state-of-the-art high-performance centre is planned at Coolidge Cricket Ground, featuring modern nets, a gym, and rehabilitation facilities. To ensure accountability, franchise teams will now be required to submit individual development plans and adhere to strict fitness standards monitored via a regional leaderboard.

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We are not in the same level-playing field: Brian Lara

For the long-term vision, the CWI plans to establish a national cricket development framework that unifies grassroots, schools, academies, and elite pathways. Standardized academies for players aged 11 to 18 will be introduced, feeding talent into the high-performance system. 

Franchises are on the agenda to ensure accountability and professional development, while Antigua is set to become the centre for elite training with the completion of the high-performance centre. Financial sustainability will also be prioritized, with calls for equitable ICC revenue distribution and partnerships with governments, private entities, and philanthropists. A structured mentorship framework, bringing former legends with emerging players, is another main aspect of the plan. Brian Lara stated that West Indies cricket has fallen behind in areas like technology and analytics.

"It's been that case for years, where we are not in the same level-playing field as other playing countries. Back in the days when skill was the prominent factor, we excelled, we were the best team in the world. But the game has evolved, and technology and analytics, and we now have to see a new way of finding ourselves back to being very competitive. I said not a level-playing field because a lot of the countries are far ahead in these sorts of areas. The skill factor of the game is still there, but not as prominent as it was in the past. It's a long road; it's not going to happen tomorrow. It was not about the 27 runs. If it was 57 or 107, will we be feeling any better? I don't think so. It was the fact that we've got something to address, and for us to get back on top, or to be a competitive nation in world cricket, we've got to address these situations and address them shortly, quickly, and hopefully we can reap the benefits in the years to come," Lara told the press.