The problems at the moment facing West Indian cricket have been well documented, with the power struggle between the WICB and the WIPA leading to the majority of their superstars refusing to play for their team.
In the meantime, the West Indians played a test series against Bangladesh and became the second team (After the now non-test playing nation Zimbabwe) to lose a series to the Bangas. It was a vastly under strength and untried side, with young hopefuls joining old veterans to form a team who would never even look like getting a game normally (With the exception maybe of Darren Sammy).
Now recent talks between the two parties have recently fallen apart again, and now there is a distinct chance that the West Indian team to travel to Australia to compete for the Frank Worrell Trophy will be led by Floyd Reifer and will feature unknowns who, although facing a weakened Australian side, will most certainly be crucified.
While this is happening, several West Indians will may the journey south to play in the Big Bash over the summer, earning their cash as mercenaries. This may be the future of West Indian cricket now, with the best players heading abroad in search of money they claim is not coming from the board. Chris Gayle has publicly stated his disdain for test cricket, and others are being snapped up by IPL franchises as well.
The reasoning is simple. Why play test cricket for the West Indies when you can earn more money in less time playing Twenty/20?
One hopes that come the end of the day we can have a resolution so we don’t lose a cricket team filled with history, explosiveness, and raw talent. I would hate to see the day when cricket is without the West Indies. Something within the game, maybe excitement, would die with them.
