NEW DELHI: Ahead of the second Test against India at Arun Jaitley Stadium starting Friday, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy spoke candidly about the ongoing financial challenges facing Windies cricket, acknowledging that the lack of funds continues to impact both operations and player morale.
Earlier this week, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a series of “immediate and long-term reforms” aimed at revitalising the team following a meeting of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee in August. The session was convened after a series of disappointing results, including the historic collapse against Australia at Sabina Park, where the West Indies were bowled out for 27 runs, the second-lowest total in Test history. West Indies subsequently lost the series 3-0 at home, marking a humiliating defeat for the regional team.
The August meeting brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including West Indies legends Brian Lara, Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Richie Richardson, current captains Shai Hope and Roston Chase, coaches, management, and former players like Anthony Grey and Ramnaresh Sarwan, according to a CWI press release.
Financial struggles and sponsorship initiatives
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Sammy openly admitted that the team has been struggling with self-financing for a long time. “It’s no secret. We’ve been struggling with self-finance for a long time. That’s one of the reasons why Brian Lara, Viv Richards, and Richie Richardson are hosting the event this afternoon to try to secure sponsors to help in some of the areas that need improvement,” he said.
Sammy recalled how opportunities in cricket have changed over time. “For me, as a coach, when I call a player and tell him that he’s been selected for the West Indies, and I’m hoping that he accepts the selection, you know that tells us where our cricket is. As a kid, I remember being at Lords in 2004, an MCC young cricketer, when I got a call from Zura. Once I saw the area code 1268, I knew it was from Antigua. I was hoping it was a call from the West Indies Cricket Board, and I was so excited; times have changed now,” he added.
Challenge to the team: outwork rivals
Despite the financial and infrastructural limitations, Sammy urged his team to focus on effort, discipline, and precision rather than lamenting their shortcomings. “We could only work with what we have and who’s willing. The inability to match some of the franchises across the world is an issue, but what I always tell these guys is that if we complain about not having the best facilities, not having enough manpower like the other teams, not having the best of technology, and all these things which the other teams are superior to us then why the hell are they outworking us?” the 41-year-old former World Cup-winning player said.
Sammy stressed that consistent performance at the international level depends on hard work, strategy, and purposefulness. “The only way we could match up at a consistent level is if we, as the coaches and the players, are prepared to outwork the opposition, and we’re not doing that, so that’s where I’m actually challenging them. When you practise, when you train, when you strategise to be more precise, more purposeful, and I must say again today, I see they’re starting to understand what we’re trying to do,” he concluded.
Outlook ahead of the India series
The West Indies will face India in the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with Sammy hoping that renewed focus and effort will help the team improve on their recent poor form. The sponsorship initiatives by cricketing legends aim to alleviate financial constraints, ensuring better facilities and support for players in upcoming series.
While challenges persist, Sammy’s message is clear: hard work, discipline, and teamwork can bridge the gap against stronger, better-resourced opponents.