Cricket became the cause for the birth of the West Indies. A number of cricket-loving Caribbean nations had joined together to form West Indies which has no other existence rather than this cricket identity. This unique group dominated the world of cricket for a long time. West Indies has been the abode to numerous great cricket legends like Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose, Brian Lara, Bravo and Chris Gayle to name a few only. During the last century, a time came when this team seemed undefeatable. It had the world’s greatest and the most skilled players and it created horror among the rivals. Whether Test cricket or One Day Internationals, West Indies was the champion. It was the cricket team that won the first two ODI World Cups consecutively in 1975 and 1979. West Indies and cricket had become synonymous.
However, recently West Indies has been facing a continual and critical decline in cricket. The younger players are unable to carry on what the elders have achieved. It is now counted among the weaker sides in world cricket.
Now, the most shocking news came which stunned all the cricket lovers throughout the world as West Indies was defeated by Scotland in the qualifier round for the World Cup 2023. It is officially declared now that West Indies won’t be a part of this year’s World Cup to be played in India later this year.
West Indies has not been able to qualify for this year’s cricket World Cup after losing consecutive qualifying contests against competitively young and less experienced sides. It would be for the first time in the whole history of cricket that the ODI world cup will be played without West Indies. This is really heartbreaking for the cricketing nation and its supporters. It must be a grief-striking reality for these Caribbean entertainers who like to sing the “Champions” song brilliantly and artfully. This is also another great lesson for those who have the ability to learn, that only name and fame do not help us to achieve and retain great status in this world. Our constant struggle only keeps us relevant and thriving always.
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Hilal Bukhari