Give him the benefit of the doubt!
DR KISHORE SHALLOW’S decision to stay on as President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) whilst holding the portfolio as Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs in the recently configured Cabinet of St Vincent and the Grenadines was indeed a tough one.
His statement aired last Sunday, December 7, 2025, on social media platforms, pointed to a well calculated position that sought to allay concerns that he was not prepared to bow under the calls for him to relinquish the presidency of the regional cricket organization.
He thus cited the support and structure of Cricket West Indies Secretariat’s set- up, inclusive of a well experienced Chief Executive Officer, Chris Dehring, and Director of Cricket, fellow Vincentian Miles Bascombe, as being pivotal in his plan to remain as head.
Shallow also referred to backing from officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC), as well as the need for him to see some of the planned reforms in West Indies Cricket realized.
As it stood, the final call was in the hands of Shallow, who ultimately had to weigh up the workload of both substantive positions and search himself deeply, before agreeing to continue as CWI’s President.
Critically, Shallow promised that he would not seek re-election in 2028, when his three- year tenure expires. Shallow, at age 41, should know his capacity, hence should be given the benefit of the doubt for his decision. As such, rather than speculate and fast forward probable issues that may arise that he cannot give his all in both capacities, let us allow things to flow before the concern buttons are pushed.
Confident that he can deliver in an efficacious manner in the two positions, Shallow promised, “I can assure you that I will”.
But Shallow has found himself in a slightly uncommon position, hence, the reason for the flaring up of emotions and venting of contrary opinions in some quarters. Times are evolving and such anomalies will continue to each, as recently in Jamaica, former West Indies batter, Wavel Hinds was elected as a Member of Parliament, whilst still operating as Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Players Association(WIPA).
Whilst not totally dissimilar, the job as President of CWI seems to carry more weight and prominence as there was not much hullabaloo about Hinds’ double role.
Like Hinds, Shallow’s position should be player centred dousing conflict of interest. According to Shallow, comprehensive due diligence was done to ensure there was no breach in legal or ethical standards for him not to relinquish his CWI role in lieu of his Cabinet appointment.
He further outlined that his dual responsibilities could augur well for all, as there have been calls over time for greater levels of engagement between government and Cricket West Indies, therefore the door is open for the realization of that clarion bellowing.
However, the overlapping of political and cricket responsibilities is not new to the International Cricket Council’s members, which may have swayed Shallow and those who backed his stance to stay on a President of Cricket West Indies.
Realities though must kick in, that despite the arguments justifying Shallow’s decision, one must concede that it will be a tedious next three years having to learn the job of a full-time politician and government minister, whilst overseeing West Indies Cricket, which continues to flag.
Again, Shallow was steadfast in his decision, thus he should be given the outlet to prove himself worthy of the skill- sets, tenacity and will to be the best Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs, and leaves Cricket West Indies in a better place than where he met it.
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