‘Do They Really Want to Play for West Indies?’ – Lara Calls for Greater Passion from Players

‘Do They Really Want to Play for West Indies?’ – Lara Calls for Greater Passion from Players

West Indies legend Brian Lara has urged current players to reflect on their commitment to representing the region, even as he acknowledged the financial and infrastructural challenges facing West Indies cricket. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai, Lara emphasized the importance of player passion and national pride, calling on the next generation to "find a way" to balance personal ambitions with the legacy of West Indies cricket.

His comments came in the wake of West Indies’ heavy defeat to India in the first Test in Ahmedabad, which Test captain Roston Chase attributed to the team’s financial struggles and underdeveloped infrastructure.

“If you want to get things done, you have to have the capital to do it. So that is a major part,” Lara admitted. “But at the same time, I would like to urge Roston Chase and the other guys to ask themselves — do they really want to play for West Indies? That is the most important thing. Because if you do, you will find a way.”

Lara pointed to the earlier generations of West Indies players, who succeeded despite limited resources, because of a deeper passion for representing the Caribbean.

“Viv Richards didn’t bat on better pitches than what we have today. The grind was the same, but the passion was different,” Lara said. “Playing for the West Indies meant everything back then. That pride needs to come back.”

‘Can't Blame Players for Choosing Franchise Cricket’

While calling for more commitment, Lara was careful not to criticise players seeking financial stability through franchise leagues. Instead, he called on Cricket West Indies (CWI) to make national representation a more viable and rewarding option.

“I can’t blame any player for wanting to pursue franchise cricket. The money they can earn across five or six leagues is vastly more than what they get from playing for West Indies,” Lara said. “We need to understand that reality. But we also need to make sure they still value playing for the West Indies.”

He cited how countries like Argentina in football and Australia and England in cricket have successfully managed player commitments across both domestic leagues and international duty.

“Messi played in Europe, but never stopped playing for Argentina. We need to find our own way to ensure our players stay loyal to West Indies cricket,” he said. “It’s not about pointing fingers. It's about administrators, coaches, and players coming together with one goal.”

On West Indies’ Batting Woes: ‘Stats Must Match Potential’

Lara also addressed the glaring batting concerns in the Test side. The current West Indies squad in India doesn’t feature a single batter averaging over 30 in Tests, despite the presence of promising talents like Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, and Mikyle Louis.

“If a player is picked on potential but doesn’t have the stats to back it, it becomes very difficult to expect consistent performances,” Lara said. “Players need to show they can dominate first-class cricket before stepping onto the international stage.”

He also suggested that some cricketers may need more time to develop and mature, referencing late bloomers in international cricket.

“Not everyone is a Tendulkar or a Sobers. Some players peak in their late 20s or 30s — look at Graham Gooch, Mike Hussey, Adam Gilchrist. Sometimes you have to wait, stick with these guys and let them grow,” Lara said.

Reflecting on his own journey, Lara recalled how young players in his time had to prove themselves extensively in domestic cricket before being considered for the West Indies side.

“Back in the day, you carried drinks for two years before getting your shot. During that time, you grew — not just as a cricketer, but as a person. That system built character.”

A Call for Unity and Vision

In conclusion, Lara emphasized the need for a united front — from the board, the coaches, and the players — to resurrect the fortunes of West Indies cricket.

“If we really have West Indies cricket at heart, we’ll find a way forward. That’s the only way to bring back the pride and the power we once had,” Lara said.

Key Points:

  • Lara urges players to reflect on their passion and commitment to West Indies cricket.

  • Acknowledges financial and infrastructural issues but emphasizes pride and desire.

  • Calls on CWI to make national duty more financially attractive to players.

  • Warns against over-reliance on "potential" without proven first-class performance.

  • Advocates for long-term player development and unity within West Indies cricket.