Rapid decline of cricket in Jamaica

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As an agent who has represented some of the brightest cricketing talents in the West Indies, I have witnessed firsthand the disheartening challenges that continue to undermine the game in Jamaica. What should be a celebrated cricket culture, known for its resilience and unique style, is sadly devolving into a shadow of its former self because of personal agendas, nepotism, and a troubling lack of succession planning.

The situation is so severe that the primary concern for my company is finding ways to expedite the transition of our Jamaican clients out of country. This may sound extreme but it reflects the dire conditions faced by players striving to make a name for themselves. Without intervention and the growth of franchise cricket, we would likely have lost talents like Brandon King and Rovman Powell. In 2016, it was only through the bold actions of the late, respected Tony Becca, who publicly challenged the selectors and coaches, that King’s career received the boost it needed. His success today is a testament to his undeniable skill, yet it also serves as a troubling reminder of the talent stifled by administrative roadblocks. Rovman Powell played for the Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) and went on to represent the Jamaica Tallawahs CPL franchise before he ever played a match for Jamaica. So, when we question the allegiance and priorities of our local players, we first need to ask why they distance themselves from our local cricket and administration.

Recent omissions from the Jamaica cricket team highlight the ongoing crisis. Peat Salmon, Abhijai Mansingh, Khari Campbell and Jordan Johnson, all deserving players, have been disregarded by a system that seems more committed to maintaining outdated loyalties than to nurturing potential. This isn’t about occasional selection disputes — this is a systemic issue where bias and personal alliances override a genuine commitment to building Jamaica’s cricket future. Salmon was one of our top performers in regional cricket this year, and remains one of the most consistent players locally. Mansingh recently played in the Global T20 League in Canada, and represented the Windies A Team earlier this year in South Africa. Jordan Johnson is one of the most prolific young players the region has seen in over a decade, and the reason for his non-selection cited by Delroy Morgan was “he made no runs in the trials”. Well, Johnson’s performances at the U19 level were good enough to earn him a call-up to the Windies A team and Academy but apparently not good enough for Jamaica. Khari Campbell was selected to Saint Lucia Kings franchise that went on to win the 2024 Caribbean Premier League in September, and is currently playing for CCC.

Our selectors and coaches, while respected and admired for their contributions to the game, have reached a point where their past glories no longer justify their continued influence. Cricket has evolved, but the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) remains stagnant, seemingly unwilling to adapt to a new era. The lack of succession planning is not just a failure of leadership; it’s a disservice to the young cricketers who deserve a pathway to success and to fans who long for a competitive Jamaican side.

If the JCA does not confront these issues head-on, the steady decline we’re witnessing will only accelerate, leaving a generation of talent wasted. Jamaica’s cricket legacy deserves better — and so do our players and fans. It’s time for the JCA to usher in a new chapter, one where merit, foresight, and genuine passion for the game lead the way.

BRAD-ONEAL GILLINGS

Founder/CEO

Gillings Global Sports

Management