“Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.” – Proverbs 24:6

I have witnessed the ebb and flow of fortunes in various sectors, but nowhere is the contrast between past glory and present struggles starker than in West Indies cricket. The once-mighty giants, who ruled the cricketing world with an iron fist, now find themselves grappling for relevance, their dominance a distant memory. It’s time we acknowledge that band-aid solutions and quick fixes are not the answer. What West Indies cricket desperately needs is a radical shift in mindset and a commitment to long-term, strategic planning.

Our 21st-century West Indies cricket leaders must embrace this principle of strategic visioning and engage in systems thinking. This means understanding the interconnectedness of various elements within the cricketing ecosystem and developing a holistic strategy that addresses the root causes of our decline.

The first step is to engage management experts to convene a strategic visioning retreat that brings together all stakeholders to analyze the existing situation and facilitate the management of change. Players, coaches, administrators, sponsors, government and fans should be invited to contribute. This retreat should serve as a platform for open and honest dialogue where we collectively define the value proposition of West Indies cricket. What do we stand for? What are our goals? How do we intend to reestablish our supremacy on the global stage? Why are we structured as we are? Answers to these questions are fundamental to a sustainable and resilient future.

Next, we must secure a robust financial foundation for the development of the sport. This involves seeking godfathers, forging strategic partnerships, and investing in grassroots programs. Cricket is a business, and we must treat it as such, ensuring that it has the resources necessary to thrive.

A modern, sophisticated marketing plan is essential for red ball and white ball cricket. We need to leverage technology, social media, and innovative storytelling to engage fans, attract sponsors, and generate recurring revenue from all feasible sources. The days of relying solely on gate receipts and television rights are long gone. We must embrace the digital age and harness its potential to revitalize the West Indies Cricket brand. We shouldn’t overlook the potential benefits of a West Indies/USA cricket partnership, while also being fully cognizant of the potential drawbacks such a relationship could have on the development of West Indies cricket.

Efficiency, productivity and professionalism must become hallmarks of West Indies cricket from an early age. From player development to administrative processes, we must strive for excellence in all aspects of the game. This includes exposing our cricketers and stakeholders to comprehensive training programs that enhance skill set, mindset, and cross-cultural awareness. We need to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

The road to redemption will not be easy. It will require fortitude, sacrifice and unwavering commitment from all involved. But the rewards are immeasurable. A resurgent West Indies cricket team will not only bring pride and joy to millions of fans across the Caribbean but will also serve as a powerful symbol of unity and resilience.

Let us heed the wisdom of Proverbs 24:6 and embrace strategic planning. Let us gather the best minds, secure the necessary resources, and implement a modern approach to the game. Only then can we hope to restore the exciting West Indies cricket brand to its rightful place at the pinnacle of the sport. The time for band-aid solutions is over.

 

 

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at https://www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com).