It takes more than the prize monies

Cricket West Indies (CWI), the governance body for Cricket in the Caribbean, announced last week, that there will be a sizeable increase in the prizes for all regional Cricket competitions.

High commendations are in order for this move, as CWI does not possess that financial reservoir, as some of the other international Cricket boards.

Among the increases, is a US$100,000 pay packet for the winner of the ongoing CG United Super-50 competition, taking place in Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, the losing finalist gets half that amount, while the team that tops the league phase, also pockets US$50 000.

Similarly, the champion territory in the first-class four– day red ball competition, pockets US$250,000, with the runner-up, getting US$100,000.

In keeping with increases for both genders, the women’s competitions are also in for some more cash for the winners.

According to Cricket West Indies, the Women’s CG United Super50 Cup winner takes home US$20,000 from the 2024 edition.

It does not end there for the women, as they are assured of a minimum increase of US$10,000 annually for the next quadrennial. Likewise, the runners-up in this competition will receive half the cash award, relative to the winner’s purse.

The women’s T/ Blaze first place, as of next year, gets US$10,000, with a further increment annually for the following four years. Half of these amounts will be paid to the runners up.

Obviously, such incentives are welcomed by the players, who have been clamouring for more financial rewards for their efforts.

Indeed, money incentivizes and spurs interest and adds value to any sporting event.

Invariably though, it has been that lure for the dollars that has led to our cricketers plying their trade in almost every corner of the globe in the various T/20 and T/10 franchise leagues.

But who can blame them, as they are paid handsomely in recompense for their cricketing abilities.

Critically, we should not think that the well-intended move by CWI, will change the mindset of our players towards the shortest format, as they mint more than the expected remunerations.

Neither should anyone think that CWI’s injection of larger prize monies be seen as the Messiah for the flagging fortunes of the regional sport.

West Indies Cricket at this juncture requires more than just bigger pay outs for competitions.

First and foremost, a robust structure has to be developed to ensure that players come through at a rate and standard that provide an asset base of human capital to suffice future teams.

This is notwithstanding the fact, there is a regional Cricket academy, funded and run by CWI, and that is its goal.

However, a similar setup is needed at the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17, strengthened by what takes place in the individual territories under the ambit of CWI.

And, to buttress these, must be assistance to the clubs in those territories that are engaged in youth development. We cannot rely on those glimpses and short bursts of world class performance that come in dribs and drabs, and think the future of West Indies Cricket is safe.

Neither must we fool ourselves that the slam-bam quick fixes that emerge from the T/20 format, put our Cricket above others, as the West Indies is not in the top five of ranked countries in tests, One Day Internationals or Twenty/20.

The protracted decline of the West Indies that has been galloping unchecked to nowhere for close to three decades.

As stated before, the deep crisis that West Indies Cricket is wedged, cannot be excavated by increased prize monies for competitions, but it addresses one of the routes to lift interest and ultimately improved performances.

A better governance structure, public and private sector confidence and engagement, players’ commitment to the cause of West Indies Cricket, are just some of the facets that need fixing, if we are to see any resurgence in the shortest possible time frame.