NEW DELHI: Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag attributed to West Indies Cricket the team’s low performance in internal regional politics within their own cricket establishment
This explanation came as a shock and disappointment to the Indian cricket community as the team’s elimination from ODI World Cup qualification dashed their hopes of qualifying for the 2023 tournament which will take place in India from October 5 to November 19.
West Indies’ cricket slump hit a new low on Saturday when they suffered defeat against Scotland in a crucial World Cup qualifier, effectively ending their chances of a place in the next extravaganza.
Sehwag, known for his outspoken nature, emphasized the need for effective management and an association free from political influences.
“What a pity. West Indies fail to qualify for the World Cup. It just goes to show that talent alone is not enough, they need focus and good man management, free from politics. The only solace is no more bottoms to sink from here.” Sehwag tweeted.
It was the final nail in the coffin for the Windies as they earlier lost to Zimbabwe and the Netherlands in a crucial Super Over qualifier.
The result meant that the 1975 and 1979 World Cup champions will not play in the tournament’s 48-year history.
India’s 1983 World Cup-winning hero Madan Lal said players should be blamed for giving priority to playing in T20 franchise leagues around the world.
“Sad to see that West Indies are not qualified for World Cup 23. It’s there by fault (sic) because they were only interested in the 20/20 league. No pride in playing for the country,” Lal wrote on his twitter account
AAkash Chopra, the former Test opener and cricket expert, though is not too surprised as he calls it disappointing.
“West Indies are out of the World Cup. Although it’s no surprise… given how their standards have fallen in recent years…
“Still a little disappointing to see former cricket champions become spectators at a world event. Change is the only constant,” former India opener Akash Chopra tweeted.
After winning the T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, West Indies have been on a downward spiral. They failed to reach the Champions Trophy in 2017 after falling outside the top eight.
They finished ninth out of 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup, and in the 2019–21 and 2021–23 World Test Champoinship cycles they finished eighth out of nine teams.
In the T20 World Cup 2021, the two-time champions managed just one win. In last year’s T20 World Cup they made a first round exit.
WE WILL RISE AGAIN: GAMBHIR
But Sehwag’s opening partner Gautam Gambhir he believed that the Caribbean will rise again.
“I love West Indies. I love West Indies cricket. I still think they can be the #1 team in world cricket,” Gambhir tweeted.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer said in no uncertain terms that cricket in the region has hit rock bottom.
“It’s a shame West Indies aren’t there at the World Cup… Caribbean cricket has officially hit rock bottom. But when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up,” he added.
(With PTI tickets)
