CWI announces replacement for Bassarath as VP; and it’s Bassarath!


Cricket West Indies revealed today that it has only one nomination to replace outgoing vice-president Azim Bassarath—and it is none other than Azim Bassarath. The election for the vacant CWI vice-president position is on 20 September 2024.

Bassarath’s position was declared vacant by the Guyana High Court on 5 August, after one of the two nominating territories, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), withdrew its nomination prior to the CWI’s 2023 election.

TTCB president Azim Bassarath.

At the time, the CWI proceeded with the election and Bassarath, who was elected unopposed, effectively ignored the GCB’s protest for over a year until the Court’s ruling.

The CWI, via a media statement, said the Jamaica and Leeward Islands both felt Bassarath, the controversial president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), was the best person for the job.

“[At] the close of nominations, Mr Bassarath is the sole candidate, having been nominated by the Jamaica Cricket Association and Leeward Islands Cricket Board,” stated the CWI Media.

“The nominations were circulated as customary, and every territorial board, which constitutes the shareholders, was adequately notified.”

Former CWI vice-president Azim Bassarath.

Up to the time of publication, there was no response from the GCB, which presumably could not find a candidate to contest the post and/ or a second backer for such a person.

The CWI, despite being ordered to address its flawed 2023 electoral process, attempted to take the high ground.

“CWI is being guided by its Articles of Association in conducting this election to ensure the process is handled with the highest standards of democratic principles and transparency,” stated the regional body, which is headed by president Dr Kishore Shallow.

“The upcoming election will provide a timely resolution to the current vacancy of the Office of the Vice President and reinforce CWI’s commitment to fair governance.

CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow (left) and vice-president Azim Bassarath.
(via CWI Media)

“The organization looks forward to the completion of this robust and transparent electoral process while continuing its efforts to advance the sport of cricket across the region.”

At present, West Indies are ranked fourth in the world in T20 International cricket, below India, Australia and England and above South Africa and New Zealand.

However, the Maroon Men are 10th in One Day International (ODI) cricket, below Afghanistan and above Scotland, and eighth from 12 teams in the Test arena—above just Bangladesh, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan.

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