The googly that Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves bowled at Cricket West Indies (CWI), accusing them of not celebrating two major accomplishments of the regional team 60 and 50 years ago because they were preoccupied with “minutiae”, has turned out to be a no-ball.
Gonsalves’ comments came in yet another attack on CWI since its president, Kishore Shallow, was announced in September as a candidate for the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in general elections widely expected later this year.
In his latest delivery, Gonsalves described the governing body for cricket in the region as a private entity managing a public good but lacking popular support.
He had said the West Indies Cricket Team was “crowned, unofficially, the test champions” on May 17, 1965 — 60 years ago — when the regional team defeated Australia in the series in the West Indies.
“Now you would think that Cricket West Indies will say or do something about the 60th anniversary and plan some event,” Gonsalves had said.
He further said the first ICC One-Day International competition was played between June 7 and 21, 1975.
“Now we became champions, unofficial champions, of Test cricket 60 years ago, in May. In June, the first ICC ODI championship, we won it. We won the second one, too. You want to tell me there are no plans for the commemoration of either of them?” the prime minister had further stated.
In addition to his statement on NBC Radio, Gonsales also wrote and submitted two commentaries to the media on the same topic, essentially making the same points he had made on radio.
However, it turned out that Shallow had announced since March plans to honour the surviving members of the 1975 team at an event in Barbados this month.
Additionally, CWI published on its website on May 26 a press release plan to honour the 1975 team during the 8th CWI/the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) Awards Gala in Barbados on June 22.
“This year we celebrate our 50th anniversary of the first World Cup success we had in 1975,” Shallow said at a press conference on March 31, adding that CWI was “in the advanced planning stages”.
He said just a few things remained to be finalised for the CWI and West Indies Players Association Award Ceremony, “with the 50th anniversary being a key feature, where we have all those legends.
“We have some 12 of them still alive. We are going to celebrate their success from 1975 at an event that will be hosted in Barbados, just on the eve of the first test match against Australia.”
Shallow also spoke about the event on May 16, that the West Indies Players Award will be held this year, after a few years’ absence.
“That is, CWI and WIPA players award. It will be hosted right here in Barbados on June 22nd and in that award ceremony, we are going to feature the recognition of the 1975 World Cup team, those legends who won that first World Cup for us,” Shallow said, noting that this is the 50th event of that victory.
In the May 26 press release, Shallow said:
“The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala is a significant event that highlights the accomplishments of our players, who continue to inspire fans throughout our region and beyond. This celebration reflects our shared commitment to elevate the game and recognises the contributions of our cricketers. It is vital that we create platforms to honour their dedication and hard work, while also paying tribute to the rich legacy of our cricketing heroes from the past.”
He needs to stop these unwarranted attacks. Check your facts, it is unbecoming of a Prime Minister.
I simply don’t understand, what the fuss is about? This looks like another turd polishing session by the PM.
And he will not apologized for his mistake. Not only was the googly a no ball but his pants fell to his ankles during the delivery. Shame on you guy.
Understand this, he was not bowling at CWI, it is Kishore. However, not only was it a no ball, the ball did not even reach half way and just fell and rolled. He stood trying to will it but………..nothing. The captain must realize there is a time to retire before he hurts himself. His bowling arm is old and has no strength.
He is afraid to step aside as captain of the team, and not even the ULPCB (ULP cricket board) can remove him, and the captain he wants to select, the ULPCB will not install. Let in see in the next ODL ONE DAY LOCAL (elections), if he can take the game, or will there be a new local champion.
Captain your ship is sink.
how come ar so concern wid WI cricket 🏏. these days ? In my opinion something terrible may have happen to u as a Child, cause yo anger bitterness hatred wickedness evil vengeance badminded tyrantical demonic dictator and wat ever else is now consuming you . ar yo go soon drown in shallow waters.