KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- In a scathing assessment of West Indies cricket’s current leadership structure, former Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director Wilford “Billy” Haven has launched a blistering attack on the organisation, calling for the removal of Head Coach Darren Sammy and the resignation of President Dr.Kishore Shallow.
Haven, a former President of the Jamaica Cricket Association, did not hold back during an appearance on the Mason and Guest radio talk show on Tuesday, questioning the very credentials of the two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain turned coach.
“I think Darren Sammy should reconsider his position as coach,” Haven declared when asked by host Andrew Mason if the former all-rounder should remain at the helm.
Haven revealed that he was stunned by the initial appointment, citing a lack of qualifications. “I was shocked when he got the job, as he is unqualified.
The criticism comes on the heels of their exit from the ICC T20 World Cup, where the regional side failed to progress past the Super Eight stage. Haven expressed his frustration with the team’s performance when it mattered most.
“When the tournament reached the most competitive phase, the team was unable to sustain the required challenge of the leading side,” Haven said. “So it is… it is difficult for me.”
However, Haven’s ire was not solely directed at the coaching staff. He aimed for the top of the CWI hierarchy, reiterating his call for Dr. Kishore Shallow to step down as President.
Haven argues that Shallow’s dual role as a Government Minister in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and head of CWI presents a clear conflict of interest.
In contrast, Haven praised the recent decision of Gregory Nicholls, who stepped down as Vice President of the Barbados Cricket Association after being appointed a Government Minister.
“Dr. Shallow needs to resign,” Haven insisted, suggesting that Nicholls’ resignation sets the correct precedent for separating political duties from cricket administration.
Furthermore, Haven lambasted the narrative coming from within CWI regarding the World Cup exit. He accused the board, including President Shallow, of spinning the failure into a positive by labelling the performance as an “overachievement.”
“When you do that, what we are essentially doing is lowering standards,” Haven argued, warning that such a mindset is detrimental to the future of a region desperate to return to the glory days of its cricketing past.
As the dust settles on another underwhelming World Cup campaign, Haven’s fiery interview has poured petrol on the simmering debate regarding leadership, qualifications, and the direction of West Indies cricket.
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