West Indies head coach Darren Sammy recently delivered a scathing and candid analysis of the deteriorating state of Test cricket across the Caribbean. He described its long-standing decline as “a cancer in the system” that has been festering for decades. Following a crushing innings and 140-run defeat to India in the first Test, Sammy conceded his disappointment in the team’s performance, but emphasized that the underlying issues run far deeper than just recent match results.
With a touch of dark humor, Sammy recalled, “The last time we won a Test series was in 1983 – my mother had me then!” He then shifted to a more serious tone, acknowledging that he is currently “under the microscope” and open to criticism. However, he stressed that the fundamental problems facing West Indies cricket are not recent developments, but rather issues that originated “way back.”
Sammy further elaborated with a powerful analogy: “It’s like a cancer that’s already in the system. If you don’t address cancer, you know what happens.” He pointed out the relevance of his comparison, noting it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to underscore the gravity of the situation. He stressed that their problems are not superficial but “rooted deep into our system.”
The celebrated two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain highlighted that while contemporary players find inspiration and pathways in shorter formats, Test cricket in the West Indies has been severely hampered by inadequate infrastructure, insufficient financial backing, and a dwindling motivation among players.
He explained that the team can “only work with what we have and who’s willing,” lamenting the Caribbean’s inability to compete financially with lucrative global franchises. This disparity, he noted, has only exacerbated the financial chasm between wealthier cricketing nations and smaller boards.
Sammy observed the vast performance gap between the world’s top 3-4 teams and the bottom four, attributing West Indies’ struggles to long-standing financial difficulties. He criticized the failure to capitalize commercially during their era of dominance, recalling periods when they played extensive Test series in single locations, “entertaining the world where other boards benefited.” These missed opportunities, he stated, have left them desperately “in need of those financial resources to help us grow and move forward.”
Despite the immense challenges, Sammy expressed a steadfast hope for rekindling a culture where players once again prioritize and cherish Test cricket. His aspiration is simple: “When I call a player and tell him he’s been selected for West Indies, I’m hoping he accepts the selection.”
The West Indies team is set to seek redemption following their significant loss in Ahmedabad, preparing to face India in the second Test match in New Delhi.