Legendary West Indians Greenidge and Garner, Gordon I hope they regain their sense of national pride

The image of the West Indies cricket team missing the bus to the ICC World Cup 2023 was very distressing for many who remember the team’s heyday.

Joel Garner and Gordon Greenidge, two living legends, have experienced winning a World Cup. They were a member of Clive Lloyd’s unbeatable team that defeated England at Lord’s in 1979 to win the trophy.

When PTI contacted the famous team, the sadness at the West Indies’ failure to advance to the 50-over World Cup in India was extremely clear.

“See! These days, I don’t watch a lot of cricket, particularly the white ball matches. In the past, losing to the West Indies stung more than it does today because of the decline in our standards.

But it is difficult to imagine a World Cup without the West Indies. Greenidge told PTI, “We don’t have any more depth to hit.

Garner’s statements reflected the perspective of the former West Indies opener, who is now 72.

Right, we’re not who we used to be! Playing for the West Indies used to be a source of great pride. We were motivated by it. The T20 competitions are now attracting more young players. As everyone looks about for security, they are not to blame, Garner added.

“Our generation likewise did not get a lot of money; County cricket provided the most of it. But given the variety of ways this generation of cricketers may make money, it is not their fault if they do so. The pride of representing the West Indies must be restored, the 70-year-old Barbadian said.

Former Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt has pledged a full study and renovation after the West Indies were denied entry into the ICC T20 World Cup Super 12 in 2022. However, based on current events, not much has changed since then. Skerritt’s dissatisfaction is understandable.

“It is quite upsetting to see West Indies not qualify for the World Cup. Given the illustrious history of our cricket, it is immensely disappointing, he remarked.

How can the West Indies go back to its former glory? “I have always said that we need to pick the right teams, ensure that the best players are available for big tournaments, and practise games ahead of them,” said Williams. It guarantees unity.

It guarantees our continued competitiveness, and if we are not, the major teams may not be interested in playing against the West Indies. The crowd will avoid the stadiums. We will go down on the food chain. It shouldn’t take place, he says.

His statements are really accurate since West Indies’ preparation for the World Cup qualifiers was on the verge of becoming idiotic.

The West Indies played warm-up games in the UAE before the qualifications, which are taking place in Zimbabwe. Both countries’ situations are very unlike from one another.

Even in that matchup, six key Windies white ball players—Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, and Alzarri Joseph—were not available.

It was difficult for the West Indies to find their range in this circumstance under new coach Darren Sammy, and it showed in how they performed in the Qualifiers.

It has often been said that past players are not actively engaged in the growth of cricket in the Caribbean, leaving the current players without somebody to emulate.

“We are close by. We are prepared to assist. However, as communication clarity is crucial, responsibilities must be well defined. There isn’t a shortage of talent in the West Indies, in my opinion.

But in order to keep the young players engaged and concentrated, we need a good framework. All parties involved should make an effort, not just one group or individual, according to Garner.

The illustrious bowler said, “It needs to be kept in mind that West Indies cricket is greater than people – look inside you; make an honest effort.

That is what cricket fans all around the globe will be praying for!