Viv Richards: West Indies cricket has become an ATM machine; we need Skerritt as president!


“If we speak to the legends who had a huge impact in making West Indies cricket such a huge brand. We did not too this to make West Indies cricket [an] ATM machine.

“[…] I honestly believe the time is right now for someone like Mr [Ricky] Skerritt, who I think is well respected in that particular fraternity to help make a difference in the future.”

The following Letter to the Editor was submitted by former West Indies cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards and endorses Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow for the post of Cricket West Indies (CWI) president and vice-president respectively:

Photo: Cricket analyst and West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards.
(Copyright AFP 2014/Glyn Kirk)

This is an excellent opportunity for me to have an input as a past West Indies captain and also from the representation that Leewards would have given to West Indies cricket. Players from the Leewards would have made a healthy contribution to the development of West Indies Cricket.

If we are now looking to make a choice for a new president I also believe we have people in that particular department in Mr Ricky Skerritt, who could bring some respectability back.

[…] I hear people speaking about us being insular at times, this is a great opportunity to show that we are not in terms of the transparency with regards to West Indies cricket and its leadership. I honestly believe the time is right now for someone like Mr Skerritt, who I think is well respected in that particular fraternity to help make a difference in the future.

We as past players put our bodies and souls [on the line] and represented West Indies with so much passion. If we speak to the legends who had a huge impact in making West Indies cricket become such a huge brand; we did not do this to make West Indies cricket at present an ATM machine. I don’t think so.

I know many don’t stand for that, so let’s show some clarity on where we believe West Indies cricket can go. We should not lose this opportunity in trying to get Mr Skerritt [elected] or giving him the opportunity to lead. I believe he will do a magnificent job.

Photo: Former West Indies cricket manager Ricky Skerritt will contest the post of CWI president on 24 March.

Editor’s Note: Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow will challenge incumbents Dave Cameron and Emmanuel Nanthan for the post of Cricket West Indies (CWI) president and vice-president respectively on 24 March 2019.

More from Wired868
1975 CWC: When WI ruled the world! Lloyd’s flourish creates history

(Part 51.) Lloyd’s crowning glory. West Indies cricket has enjoyed many moments of celebration, but few match lifting the trophy Read more

1975 CWC: The statistical standouts of the first Men’s tournament

(Part 50.) Judge by numbers. After exactly seven weeks of counting down, here we are: one day to go to Read more

1975 CWC: CWI finally recognises WI heroes; Guyana did not wait

(Part 47.) When Guyana hailed its conquering hero It has taken the imminent occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Read more

1975 CWC: Genius Kallicharran spanks Lillee to take Windies to semis

(Part 44.) ‘Kalli’ the conqueror. There are just seven days to go to the 50th anniversary of the West Indies Read more

“I wish team nothing but success”; Pooran retires from West Indies cricket

Trinidad and Tobago cricket star Nicholas Pooran has retired from the international game at the relatively tender age of 29. Read more

Hosein, Goolie and Chase affected by UK visa issue; CWI blames “administrative challenges”

Veteran spinner Akeal Hosein and rookie batsman Jyd Goolie both look set to miss out on West Indies’ upcoming T20 Read more

Check Also

1975 CWC: When WI ruled the world! Lloyd’s flourish creates history

(Part 51.) Lloyd’s crowning glory. West Indies cricket has enjoyed many moments of celebration, but …

2 comments

  1. Viv Richards: From Success to
    Significance!
    What do I mean by that? Some great athletes inspire and make a lot of their fans happy but fizzle out and disappear after their playing days are over. But others continue making a difference long after their playing days are over….that is SIGNIFICANCE.
    And that is you Sir Viv. May God continue to Bless you richly and most importantly to to never alllw an old man to ever grow on your body.

  2. Glad to see a prominent player/legend commenting for what he believes is the good of the game and the region!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.