Let’s Work Together: Sir Viv Calls For Unified Effort In Solving Cricket Woes

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Legendary cricketer Sir Vivian Richards (second from left) chats with president of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association Leon Rodney (left), former president of Cricket West Indies Dave Cameron (second from right) and then sports minister EP Chet Greene (right) during the opening ceremony for the Cool & Smooth T20 back in 2017 (File photo)
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By Neto Baptiste

Former West Indies captain and legendary batsman, Sir Vivian Richards, has called for a unified effort towards solving the issues plaguing the game and the development of local players.

Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, Sir Viv said there is too much division amongst whom he considers to be some of the country’s top cricket brains, and believes a unified approach could be the answer to many of the issues stagnating the growth of the game.

“There are a lot of guys who are pretty good in what they do, and the first who comes to mind is Kenneth Benjamin who would have established what he has over there in Liberta. He has done magnificent work there, but I believe that at times there is a lot of rivalry, and you listen to it but it’s not good,” he said.

“I believe these minds should be put together because, to be fair, Ridley Jacobs [Coordinator of Schools Cricket] is part of the ministry [of sports]; he … knows his stuff and everyone should basically get together because these guys, like Winston Benjamin, are pretty knowledgeable of the game. They would have gained the experience from playing at the highest level and when I listen on the radio sometimes, it doesn’t feel that good,” he added. 

Sir Viv said the same principle should be applied towards finding a solution for the improvement and or restructuring of the Combined Schools cricket programme which he reminded, has helped to mould some of the country’s top players.

“Combined Schools has always been an integral part in our cricket [but] from some of the scores that I’ve seen at this particular time, it doesn’t look like they are cutting it. So, they should look to try and find out ways in which we could try and improve it, and I think the best way to go is to have dialogue on how we can improve it. Most of these guys who are coaches as well would have come through that particular system and they would know that Combined Schools would have given Antigua and Barbuda some of its best cricketers,” he said.

There have been recent debates over the standard of local cricket and the fact that it has consistently dwindled over the years. Many have also called the structure of many clubs and their inability to produce quality players into question.

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