CWI CEO Jonny Grave criticizes ICC, calls for financial support for West Indies cricket
Cricket West Indies CEO Jonny Grave is disappointed with the ICC for not providing financial assistance to the board, citing the decline in the Windies’ revenue share under the current ICC revenue model. Grave questions the collaboration between the cricketing community to deliver the best cricketing experience, despite recent victories against England and a historic Test win in Australia.
NEW DELHI: Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Jonny Grave criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not providing financial support to the board.
Grave alleged that the cricketing world is actively working to prevent the growth of cricket in the Caribbean. Grave’s comments follow two significant events in West Indies cricket in the past year.
Grave alleged that the cricketing world is actively working to prevent the growth of cricket in the Caribbean. Grave’s comments follow two significant events in West Indies cricket in the past year.
Last year, WI suffered a major setback by failing to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup for the first time in history. They were defeated by the Netherlands, an associate member of the ICC, in the tournament qualifiers.
The absence of the West Indies team, which had previously dominated the World Cup, was noticeable in India, where West Indies cricketers are immensely popular due to their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The absence of the West Indies team, which had previously dominated the World Cup, was noticeable in India, where West Indies cricketers are immensely popular due to their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, the West Indies team bounced back with impressive victories in ODI and T20I series against England, the reigning champions of the ICC T20 World Cup.
Another significant moment in West Indies cricket history occurred when 24-year-old pacer Shamar Joseph delivered a remarkable performance, taking 7/68 and leading WI to their first Test victory on Australian soil in 27 years.
During an interview on the Wisden Cricket Monthly Podcast, Grave expressed his frustration with the notion that “world cricket needs a strong West Indies team” while seemingly working against their progress. He emphasized the need for increased financial support from the cricketing world to help West Indies cricket regain its strength.
Another significant moment in West Indies cricket history occurred when 24-year-old pacer Shamar Joseph delivered a remarkable performance, taking 7/68 and leading WI to their first Test victory on Australian soil in 27 years.
During an interview on the Wisden Cricket Monthly Podcast, Grave expressed his frustration with the notion that “world cricket needs a strong West Indies team” while seemingly working against their progress. He emphasized the need for increased financial support from the cricketing world to help West Indies cricket regain its strength.
Grave highlighted the decline in the Windies’ revenue share under the current ICC revenue model, which has dropped to just five percent. He questioned whether the cricketing community is truly acting as a united entity and prioritizing the quality of the sport on the field.
Grave stated, “This frustration stems from the patronizing tone that Ian Bishop has mentioned. If we genuinely want a strong West Indies Cricket, it shouldn’t be so difficult to provide a little more support. The ICC may claim to be providing more funds, but our percentage of revenue has decreased from seven percent to five percent, which is difficult for us to comprehend.”
