Cricket West Indies convenes emergency meeting, invites Lara to help

Photo: Roston Chase was one of seven West Indies batters to be dismissed for a duck. (AFP/Getty Images)

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr Kishore Shallow has issued a response following West Indies’ recent Test match defeat to Australia, describing the loss as a difficult moment for the region’s cricket and announcing immediate steps to address the team’s performance.

Dr Shallow said the result was painful for all West Indian cricket fans and players, but called for unity, patience, and determination as the team remains in a rebuilding phase. He urged the region not to allow the defeat to define the long-term journey of West Indies cricket, and instead to support ongoing efforts to develop young talent and restore the team’s competitive edge.

In response to the series defeat, Dr Shallow has instructed the Chair of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee to convene an emergency meeting. The meeting will examine the entire Test series against Australia, with particular focus on the final match.

To support this review, Dr Shallow has invited several cricket legends to contribute. These include Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara. They will join Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dr The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, and Ian Bradshaw, who are already members of the committee.

Dr Shallow stated that the engagement of these former players is not ceremonial, but a practical step to ensure that the team benefits from their experience. He said their insights will help shape concrete recommendations for the future of West Indies cricket.

The CWI president acknowledged the disappointment shared by players and fans, but said the situation requires continued belief in the current team and commitment from all involved in West Indies cricket. He pointed to encouraging signs in bowling performances and noted that batters must now take deliberate steps toward improvement.

Dr Shallow reiterated the need for unity, saying that all stakeholders – including fans, players, coaches, former players, and administrators – must work together to rebuild and strengthen West Indies cricket. He described the current moment as a test of character and a chance to come together with purpose.

CWI is expected to release further updates following the emergency committee meeting.