Khan Pushes The Mental Approach

“The biggest challenge for the West Indies team, as we head into the first Test against Sri Lanka is the mental approach to the game. I have no doubt of the quality and potential of these players and now is about instilling that competitive edge, that fighting spirit that is so essential for success,” Omar Khan.

I could not agree with Omar more! But we have to stop talking and do something about it. Building a mental approach is a process which takes time; it cannot be done days before a test match, which may only confuse the players. It is time that the WICB put together a long term development program focusing on the following pillars:

• Mental Development
• Technical Development
• Physical Development
• Educational Development

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Umpires lash out at TT Cricket Board

This was the headline in yesterday's Trinidad Express which I am now seeing.

"Scab Labour." That's how local cricket umpire Kasso Dowlath is describing the recruitment of any Trinidad and Tobago umpires to replace West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) officials boycotting this weekend's round of Carib Beer Series matches.

Dowlath claimed during a press conference yesterday at the Queen's Park Oval, that T&T Cricket Board president, Deryck Murray, is in part responsible for them not having officiated in the last round of four-day matches.


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Regional Umpire Saga - Something is not right!

The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board have refuted statements made by two T&T umpires as being "littered with many inaccuracies" and "which attempt to obfuscate the basic facts of the matter".

At a press conference on Wednesday, umpires Hayden Bruce and Keso Dowlath claimed they were being victimised by those in authority because they were not nominated to stand in any regional games this season.

The T&TCB said they forwarded the list to the West Indies Cricket Board and neither Bruce nor Dowlath were on the list. When the schedule of appointments was first published and it was noticed that the names of Dowlath and Bruce appeared, the error was brought to the attention of the WICB, who immediately corrected the mistake.

But something is not right here. The recommendation for umpires comes from the WICB Umpires' Committee. The TTCB should make recommendations through the Umpires' Committee. Dowlath and Bruce appeared on the schedule because they were selected by the Umpires Committee, perhaps nominated by the WICUA, and it seems to me that not only has the WICUA been slighted but so has the WICB Umpires' Committee. The WICB need to ensure that they do not become embroiled in the internal politics of the TTCB.

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WICB and Doctrove on Collision Course

That was the headline on the back page of the Weekend Nation (Barbados). I do not see the article in the online edition but you can read another related story here:

http://www.nationnews.com/story/305601065996193.php

According to the report, Billy Doctrove, a member of the WICUA Executive, declined an offer by the WICB to officiate in a match in support of WICUA withdrawing their services over a perceived slight by the WICB. Tony Deyal wrote Billy threatening to report him and others to the ICC that they should not be considered for future employment now or at any future time.

What irks me is the continued confrontational style of Tony Deyal. This did not work with WIPA and it will not work with the WICUA. He is just starting another battle which the WICB would not win. I sincerely doubt that Dr. Hunte would approve of the threatening and intimidating language of Mr. Deyal's email to Billy.

Billy has taken a principled stand and rightly referred the matter to his attorney.

I hope that good sense will prevail and we do not go down this confrontational road again.

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CWC 2007 Audited Financial Statements

I had a look at the World Cup 2007 Audited Statements courtesy caribbeancricket.com. Download it here:

http://caribbeancricket.com/weblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/icc_cricket_fs_2007.doc

The Statements make interesting reading. Since this is not a going concern, the reported income should be the combined for the 2 years which would be about $42M. The retained earnings is the best measure of financial performance not the 2007 P&L taken in isolation. There are some interesting figures relating to Staff Costs, Traveling, Managing Director's Office etc. I hope to do a more detailed analysis later.

Overall a good financial performance but the net effect to the WICB would just cover existing liabilities leaving very little for development as was originally intended. A little tighter management of CWC 2007 could have saved several millions.

And the legacy? That deserves another audit.

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