NEW DELHI:
West Indies cricket
legend
Brian Lara
has offered insights into the dilemma faced by modern-day cricketers, acknowledging their preference for lucrative T20 franchise leagues, including the IPL, over national duties.
While recognizing the shift in priorities towards financial gains, Lara emphasizes the importance of instilling loyalty to West Indies cricket.
Speaking to 'Sen Sportsday,' Lara addressed the challenges faced by the
West Indies Cricket Board
(CWI) in competing with the substantial financial incentives offered by T20 franchise leagues around the world.
Lara acknowledged the financial allure, stating, "For an 18-or-19-year-old to say, 'I'm heading to the IPL', or, 'I don't care about West Indies cricket'... It's not just his fault."
Lara, who is currently serving as the team mentor for the West Indies in their two-match Test series against Australia, noted the difficulty in changing the mindset of the current crop of players.
Instead, he suggested a proactive approach in instilling the importance of representing the Caribbean region from a young age. Lara emphasized starting this communication at the grassroots level, including underage cricket and schools.
"We've got to go and get that into the schools and into the age group cricket before we bring them out on the international stage," Lara said, acknowledging the challenge of changing the mindset of the existing players.
The cricketing legend underscored the need for West Indies Cricket to effectively communicate the significance of playing for the national team.
He drew parallels with cricketing nations like Australia and England, stating, "Australia don't just pay their cricketers more or England pays their cricketers more … they develop that sort of loyalty to the sport in their country, and that's what we have not done."
Lara emphasized the importance of selling the idea of what West Indies cricket means to Caribbean people and why players should feel compelled to represent the West Indies.
As the West Indies face challenges in Test cricket, Lara's insights shed light on the complex balance between financial opportunities in T20 leagues and the loyalty expected at the international level.
(With inputs from PTI)
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