By Neto Baptiste
Former West Indies fast bowler and one of four knighted former international cricketers here, Sir Andy Roberts, said players must not be afraid to ask for help.
His statement was in response to questions regarding the willingness of former players, especially those who played at the highest level, to assist today’s generation of players from a technical and tactical standpoint.
“I know for me that I’ve never asked anybody to pay me to do anything, but if you want something done, then you ask. It is said that you should ask and it will be given unto you, but if you don’t ask then you don’t want to know, and our younger cricketers, that’s part of their problem. They don’t want to know because they don’t want to ask and I don’t know if it is fear … but I don’t think they should have any reasons to fear any of us,” he said.
Former players, more so those who would have played at the highest level, have come under fire in the past for what critics have called their unwillingness to play a meaningful role in the development of young players.
Sir Andy vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the onus is on the players to seek the help they need.
“I’ve said from long time that I am not going to go and ask anybody if I can help them. If they come and ask me for help, then I will try my endeavour best to see if I can help them, but I am not going to go and ask anybody if I can come and help them,” he said.
A number of other former players to include former West Indies captain Sir Viv Richards, former West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose and former batsman and also former captain, Sir Richie Richardson have also expressed similar sentiments.