True, but I really think the lack of infrastructure and resources is killing them in this day and age where most other test playing countries are capable of getting the best out of the talent at their disposal.
I can only speak for Trinidad but I have spoken to quite a few people in the game here. There are some interesting takeaways. Mainly it is cultural. Planning, coaching and attitude are the causes for concern.
Firstly, Trinidad is the 3rd wealthiest country GDP per capita in all the Americas. Resources are not really an issue like they may be in Jamaica. The issue is that they barely get an international game anymore so, rather than being the center of WI cricket, Trinidad and Tobago is now an outpost. Both Eng and Aus visit WI in 2015 and neither will play a game in Trinidad - by far the wealthiest and second largest island part of WICB. Games are played in Jamaica (largest pop in WI), Barbados (favoured tourist location) and the small islands who use government money to bring the games to their islands. Trinidad play their games at the privately owned Queens Park Oval Club and I understand that govt money isnt used.
The younger players love playing cricket but there is certainly less interest in the history of cricket than in other countries in which I have lived. The WI cricketers are less versed in the history of their own Test team. I have heard stories of current international players knowing nothing of the great players in the 70s and 80s. And, sadly, when they do mix, the older players often treat the younger players quite poorly.
Location. WI are on the fringes, geographically, of world cricket and fragmented. It may seem irrelevant in the 21st century with the speed at which technology travels but it plays a huge role. Those involved in developing cricketers (by the time players are in their 20s and traveling the globe it is possibly too late) have been insulated from the explosion of ideas cricket has experienced. The thinking really is a little backwards and, sadly, people do not realize that it is dated and backwards.
The love for the game is still in Trinidad and Tobago but coaches and administrators come across as even more self-important than elsewhere and more interested in their own position and influence than the greater good. I dont blame the players and parents of those being developed as they know no better but it would help if they were more 'well read' in terms of the global game and developments rather than just having a passion for playing.
People still play and watch the game in WI. The game has just unfortunately passed them by in terms of coaching and administration and they don't realise it. Even in some moments of clarity when they can see an issue, people move quickly to protect their interests.
These, sadly, are issues that have no real short term solution. It is tough to change insular attitudes quickly .
