West Indian batting icon Brian Lara has expressed deep concern over the current state of West Indies cricket, warning that the team is no longer competing on an equal footing with other major cricketing nations.
Speaking after a special two-day emergency meeting convened by Cricket West Indies (CWI) in Trinidad, Lara said that urgent measures must be taken to safeguard the future of Caribbean cricket and keep young players committed to representing the West Indies.
The meeting, attended by some of the game’s greatest names — Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and current head coach Darren Sammy — was called in response to West Indies’ humiliating collapse in the third Test against Australia last month, when they were bowled out for a paltry 27 — the second-lowest total in Test cricket history.
“Not a Level Playing Field Anymore”
Lara, one of the most celebrated batsmen in cricket history, said the global cricketing landscape has changed drastically since the West Indies’ golden era.
“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, analytics, and data-driven preparation are now front and centre.
Unfortunately, we’re not on the same level-playing field as other countries in those areas,” Lara told ESPNcricinfo.
He stressed that while raw skill is still important, it is no longer the sole determinant of success. “The skill factor is still there, but it’s not as dominant as it used to be.
Other countries have invested heavily in sports science, fitness infrastructure, analytics departments, and player management systems — and we are lagging.”
Changing Motivation Across Generations
In reflecting on the cultural evolution of West Indies cricket, Lara drew comparisons across decades. In the 1950s and 60s, he said, cricket was about “proving to colonial powers that West Indians could excel on the field and govern themselves off it.” In the 70s and 80s, it was about sheer dominance — being “the best in the world.”
But today, Lara believes the motivational drivers for young players have shifted dramatically. “The game has become commercialised.
The franchise system is at the forefront of every young player’s mind — and every parent’s, too. When you look at the IPL, the Major League Cricket in the US, the Big Bash League in Australia — these are now the big aspirations for many young cricketers.”
He added that CWI must adapt to this reality: “We have to understand what motivates youngsters today. It might not be representing the West Indies all year long — it might be the prospect of an IPL contract or a stint in the BBL. Our job is to find those interests and align them in a way that West Indies cricket still benefits from their talent.”
The Nicholas Pooran Example
Lara lamented the “unfortunate” early retirement of wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran from international cricket at the age of 29. Pooran opted to step away from West Indies duties to focus on lucrative T20 league opportunities.
“Why are these things happening? We need to find out and address them so we can keep our best players committed to West Indies cricket. Countries like Australia, India, and England benefit from their players’ wholeheartedness and passion to play for their nation. That spirit needs to return here,” Lara emphasised.
What Lara Thinks About Indian Cricket Today
In discussing the global cricketing ecosystem, Lara singled out the Indian cricket team as a benchmark for success in the modern era. He praised India not only for producing an endless pipeline of world-class players but also for striking the right balance between franchise cricket and national duty.
“India is a prime example of how to manage modern cricket,” Lara said. “They have the IPL — the most high-profile franchise league in the world — yet their players’ commitment to representing the national team is unwavering.
The passion and pride they show in wearing the India cap is something every cricketing nation should aspire to.
Their bench strength is phenomenal, and it’s a result of their robust domestic structure, investment in facilities, and long-term planning. That’s the kind of model we in the West Indies need to study and adapt to our circumstances.”
For Lara, India’s approach underscores a crucial truth: modern cricket requires both embracing the commercial side of the game and safeguarding the soul of national representation. “The IPL didn’t kill Indian cricket — it made it stronger. That’s the lesson we need to learn,” he concluded.
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