No reason no compromise

There is never dull moment in the Caribbean, and the cricket scenario always provides its share of excitement. Before Hurricane Emily made its presence felt during this week, other storms were kicking up in the region. {{more}}

The ongoing issue with the West Indies cricketers has perhaps caused a permanent disillusionment of even the most die-hard Caribbean supporter. And the actions of the West Indies Players Association in their showdown with West Indies Cricket Board continue to raise many an eyebrow.

It has always been said, that no one is bigger than the sport, and that whatever it costs, the show must go on.

The price we in the Caribbean have to pay for the ineptitude that has overtaken our cricket has caused many to throw up their arms in the air and call it quits.

When one thought that the episode must have been over, there comes the other chapter with a renewed and complicated twist.

The West Indies have been forced to field a new squad for their Sri Lankan tour, a situation which has the potential of further tarnishing our fortunes, or causing the region more embarrassment.

There are some positives, and in any event, the show must go on. Our performances could go no lower. The West Indian fan will perhaps be resigned to the fact that things could only get better.

What is worrying about the entire exercise is that the count down to the ICC World Cup is going ever so quickly.

Sammy’s omission a glaring error

The repercussions for the showpiece could affect our earning power. Regional leaders have their agenda. As much as everyone in the region loves, and identifies with cricket, it will never be the solution for politicians to have any stranglehold over the sport.

It is a pity that it took the squabble for some Windward Island players to get into the squad. Congratulations to Darren Sammy, Kenroy Peters, Deighton Butler and Jean Paul for their inclusion.

Sammy has already shown that his omission was a glaring error. Others considered as non-starters will come into their own in Sri Lanka, or at least, sharpen their game.

Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is expected to pose problems to the West Indian batsmen, even though he had not been in action over 11 months.

But the learning experience will be valuable. And it is still cricket, the game of glorious uncertainties.

What is bad for the West Indian fan is that live television airing would not be possible and we will have to be content with radio broadcast.

Cricket fanatics are fed up with the ongoing impasse, and the region, known as a zone of peace, seems unable to settle what appears to be a minor issue.

What has gone wrong with our ability to reason, or compromise?

It must be repeated that human rights and dignity ought to be respected and guaranteed. But the cricket game must not be sacrificed on a silver platter.

Everyone must get paid for their work. However, like former West Indies pacer Curtly Ambrose pointed out, it is perhaps not in the realm of proper reasoning for our present crop of players to hold out for increase wages given their performance level.

The Sri Lankan tour will not be the end of the cricket impasse. At least, it will serve the purpose of blooding a new crop of cricketers.