West Indies players are taking pay cuts and Cricket West Indies has gone to the ICC for money. I think the fix is separate Caribbean nations playing international cricket.
West Indies cricket is in trouble. Players are taking pay cuts, competitions are being reduced, and Cricket West Indies has had to seek financial assistance from the ICC. The CEO, the chairman and others are all making statements. But I don't think the solution is just more money. I think it's time to rethink the entire structure.
My view is that Cricket West Indies should gradually evolve into separate international teams representing countries like Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana. It sounds crazy, but hear me out.
After more than 115 years of international cricket, we still have only 12 Test-playing nations, and some of them may not even deserve to be there. Now imagine adding four, five or even six new, truly competitive teams.
Right now, 11 West Indies players represent an entire region at the highest level. Under a split, we could eventually have 60 or 70 players representing their own countries on that stage. Picture Jamaica playing Barbados in a Test, or Guyana taking on Trinidad and Tobago. The rivalries, the national pride, the crowds and the commercial opportunities all come with it.
More teams, more players, more national pride, more cricket.
There is a financial argument too. If each country fields its own team, each takes greater responsibility for developing and financing its own cricket. That reduces the burden on a single regional administration, which is the one now going to the ICC for help.
This is controversial and it isn't easy, but it can be easy if one chooses.
Around 2012, when I was with the ICC, I discussed this very idea with Sir Clive Lloyd, who was then chairing the ICC Cricket Committee. He was very offended. He told me how much that famous maroon West Indies cap meant to him, and I understand his feelings.
Sentiment alone cannot determine the future of a sport.
The unified West Indies team has had an extraordinary and magnificent history, and nobody can take that away. I've been a fan myself since childhood. But we have to ask whether preserving the past is preventing us from building a better future.
I'm not suggesting dismantling West Indies cricket tomorrow. Any transition would need careful planning, financial support and a gradual pathway to international recognition. One starting point could be a regional qualifying competition to identify the strongest potential Test team first.
I think this idea deserves serious consideration. Breaking up West Indies cricket may be precisely what brings Caribbean cricket back to life, both on the field and in the accounts.
