The CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Cricket has issued a forceful call for transformative action to revitalise West Indies cricket, describing the sport as a “public good” of deep economic, emotional, and cultural value to the Caribbean region. The appeal comes amid mounting discontent over recent performances, most notably the Test team’s humiliating defeat at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
Meeting virtually on 21st July, 2025, the CARICOM Bureau—which includes Incumbent Chair, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness; Outgoing Chair, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley; and Incoming Chair, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis—expressed unanimous concern over the state of the game. The session was led by Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who chairs the PMSC on Cricket and has been a vocal advocate for structural reforms within Cricket West Indies (CWI).
In its official statement, the Sub-Committee emphasised that the time had come for a “moment of reckoning” and reaffirmed its unwavering interest in strengthening the governance and planning of West Indies cricket. “Every cricket match in which our West Indies Team competes resonates far beyond the boundary,” the statement noted, underlining the symbolic importance of the team to the region’s identity and pride.
The PMSC specifically urged CWI to immediately undertake a comprehensive and transparent review of its governance, leadership, management structure, economic model, and development framework. It expressed disappointment with the regional body’s longstanding failure to implement the recommendations of previous high-level reviews—namely the 2007 Patterson Report, the 2015 Barriteau Report, and the 2020 Wehby Report.
Despite the publication of these extensive governance audits, progress has been limited. The Sub-Committee described this stagnation as troubling and unacceptable given the regional significance of cricket. “We urge CWI, yet again, to take the concrete actions outlined in these Reports,” the statement read.
In a move signalling a shift from rhetorical appeals to concrete action, the PMSC announced the formation of a new special committee composed of cricket legends, private sector stakeholders, and academics. This committee will review and synthesise the findings of the earlier governance reports and propose a detailed Action Plan to guide strategic reforms. Cricket West Indies and national cricket boards will be invited to participate in the consultation process.
The statement also confirmed CARICOM’s ongoing commitment to public engagement and transparency. Leaders from across the region pledged to support reforms that not only restore public confidence but also position West Indies cricket to reclaim its stature in all formats of the international game.
With increasing political and public scrutiny now trained on Cricket West Indies, the ball is firmly in the board’s court. Whether this latest call for reform marks a turning point or joins a long list of unmet recommendations remains to be seen—but for now, the region’s highest political leaders are united in demanding change.
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