'It is deeply disappointing': Caribbean legends Greenidge and Garner reflect on West Indies' ongoing woes

For those who have seen glory days of West Indies cricket, sight of m missing bus to ICC World Cup 2023 was deeply painful. legendary Gordon Greenidge and Joel Garner kw feeling of winning a World Cup. y were part of Clive Lloyd’s invincible outfit that lifted trophy in 1979, beating England at Lord’s.

When PTI reached out to legendary duo, feeling of disappointment was very evident after West Indies failed to qualify for 50-over World Cup in India.

“See! I don’t watch too much cricket se days, especially white ball ones. Earlier a West Indies defeat used to hurt a lot but w it doesn’t that much as our standards have fallen over years. But yes, a World Cup without West Indies is quite unimaginable. We have more depth to hit,” Greenidge told PTI. view of 72-year-old former West Indies opener found an echo in Garner’s words.

READ MORE: Ian Bishop, Darren Sammy React As West Indies Fails To Qualify For ICC WC 2023

“We are t what we were, right! Earlier, re used to be a lot of pride in playing for West Indies. It was our motivation. w, young players are getting more attracted to T20 leagues. blame on m as everyone looks around for security," said Garner.

“Our generation also did t get too much money; it came mainly from County cricket. But w this generation of cricketers has many avenues to earn, and y cant be blamed for using m. pride of playing for West Indies has to be brought back,” added 70-year-old Barbadian. When West Indies failed to enter Super 12 of ICC T20 World Cup 2022, n Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt had promised a thorough investigation and revamp. But going by recent occurrences, thing much has evolved since. Understandbly, Skerritt is disappointed.

“It is deeply disappointing to see West Indies missing a World Cup berth. It is utterly frustrating considering lofty legacy our cricket has,” he said. So, what is way forward for West Indies to regain ir pomp? “I have always said that we need to pick right teams, ensure availability of best players for big tournaments and practice games ahead of m. It assures cohesion.

READ MORE: West Indies Captain Pinpoints Reason Behind Shameful Exit From ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

“It assures that we remain competitive and if you are t competitive eugh n big teams might t be interested in playing against West Indies. Crowd will stay away from stadiums. We will go down pecking order. It should t happen,” he tes. His words hold a lot of truth in m as West Indies’ preparation for World Cup qualifiers was bordering on doltish. For qualifiers, which are being held in Zimbabwe, West Indies played practice matches in UAE. conditions in both nations are as different as chalk and cheese.

Even in that series, six front-line Windies white ball players were t available, and y were: Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph. Under such a situation, it was tough for West Indies to find ir range under new coach Darren Sammy and it reflected in ir outing in Qualifiers. It has been often said that former players are t actively involved in development of cricket in Caribbean, leaving young cricketers with one to look up to.

“We are around. We are willing to help. But re has to be a proper definition of roles as clarity in communication is very important. I don’t think re is any scarcity of talent in West Indies.

"But we need a proper system to keep young players motivated and focused. It is an effort to be made by all stakeholders, t just by one section or one person,” said Garner.

“It has to be kept in mind that West Indies cricket is bigger than individuals – look into you; make an honest effort,” added legendary pacer. Cricket lovers from around world will be hoping for that! PTI UNG BS BS