Letter of the Day | Cricket is part of our social heritage, let’s get it right

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am not a cricket expert. I am not a cricket fan in the sense of the word ‘fanatic’. I am, however, a West Indian who appreciates what this sport did for our psyche, as the West Indian people, against such nations as England, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Cricket is a way for us to know that we can hold our own among the nations of the world. Unfortunately, the sport has seen a decline in it being a premium sport in Jamaica that captures the heart and imagination of young and old. The reason for this is multi-pronged, and this letter is not intended to cast blame. It is, instead, to inspire administrators of cricket, coaches, principals of educational institutions to make an investment in cricket. Perhaps a starting point is to let the young appreciate that this is a sport of pride, for in times past we played against nations and won.

One of the things that cricket also did was to demonstrate that it enhances camaraderie and teamwork. Remember the days of openers like Greenidge and Haynes; the middle order of Lloyd, Richards, Richardson; the wicketkeeper Dujon; the bowlers Holding, Marshall, Roberts, Ambrose, and others. Of course, their predecessors were also heavyweights of their time, such as Headley and Worrell. What these persons did was to demonstrate that persons with great talent can come together for a common cause. This cause was not just to win a match, but it was also to be a vehicle through which their fellow citizens could exercise pride in our identity.

We must also remember that cricket is a great social institution, where people meet for four and five days , share food and drink, discuss the issues of the day, and just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the daily routine. Then, when One-Day International and T20 cricket came in with its fast-paced atmosphere, it added another level of excitement. Unfortunately, this social aspect is gone; and with it that we are a force on the world stage. Yet, we must have hope, and it starts with remembering our heritage and what cricket can do for our people. Let us then arise and build, follow a vision, and implement a plan. Get the right persons together and just do it.

REV MICHAEL ALLEN