Heaven demands removal of ‘unqualified’ Sammy, Shallow

KINGSTON:

In a scathing assessment of West Indies cricket's current leadership structure, former Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director Wilford 'Billy' Heaven 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.

Heaven, 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," Heaven declared when asked by host Andrew Mason if the former all-rounder should remain at the helm.

Heaven 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 campaign, in which the regional side failed to progress past the Super Eight stage.

"When the tournament reached the most competitive phase, the team was unable to sustain the required challenge of the leading side," Heaven said. "So it is... it is difficult for me."

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

However, Heaven'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.

Heaven 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, Heaven 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," Heaven insisted, suggesting that Nicholls' resignation sets the correct precedent for separating political duties from cricket administration.

- CMC