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The Importance of Windies Cricket

Saturday, April 24 2004

Take a trip to the Caribbean and you will encounter a world of distinct and fascinating cultures. No two countries are alike but there is one constant. Walk into any town area in Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, and you'll hear the latest commentary on 'Brian an' d' boys'.

Nothing unites this region like the game of cricket. These people live and die on the fate of every ball. From the moment of conception we are granted an emotional attachment to the game at some level. This is a blessing for some, a curse for others and a part of life for all.

The importance of cricket is not to be understated as it is applicable to many areas - the obvious finance, recreation and tourism. The most important, however, is unity. Cricket is a unifying force among the islands (and Guyana) like none other. In this way, the West Indies cricket team is really the only of its kind in world sport. It is an all-star team featuring representatives from a wide range of countries.

On every cricket ground in the region, the colour is alive, vivid, vibrant and multicultural in the flags which wear them. The most patriotic of Jamaicans jumps up in the stands for a Brian Lara hundred (single, double, triple, quadruple). By that same vein, he would readily criticize him at the point of failure, but no more than he would a Jamaican. Indeed, it is only human nature to defend one's countrymen over others, but largely the population sees their island neighbours as countrymen.

When Jamaica's Reggae Boyz played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, there was huge support for them across the region. This still does not even begin to compare to the support for Chris Gayle in West Indies colours. Essentially the Reggae Boys represent 'dem', but West Indies represent 'we'. Dem is we boys. Dis is we game.

The sport of cricket allows the people to rise above the petty squabbles between the islands. In this way it is as significant as a series between India and Pakistan.

From a global perspective, cricket needs the West Indies. A strong West Indian team should equal a competitive level of world cricket. Furthermore, it brings excitement and passion not seen anywhere else outside of the subcontinent. The flair with which the good West Indian cricketers play the game is electric and irresistibly attractive. Unfortunately, the only flair we've experienced recently has been brief during our speciality of stylish collapse.

Trust that one day the West Indies will stand strong again. Until that time our duty is to live cricket and be behind our international ambassadors through storm and shine. It is a commission to all the residents of the Caribbean islands to give back to this most important of contributors and support the cricket. Once more we must fill the grounds to standing room only, chanting the local songs of inspiration. In the immortal words of David Rudder - "Rally 'round the West Indies now and forever more".

Posted by Liam