MERCENARY BRAVO

Starting this week you will begin to see blogs about other sports rather than just about track and field. I feel compelled to bring about this change because there are so many other issues in sport that I would like to wade into.
Take the issue of reports that West Indies allrounder Trinidadian Dwayne Bravo opting to turn down the central contract he was offered by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
On the face of it, it is his right to turn down the contract if he wants and – as the report suggests – attempt to become a freelance cricketer. He will now shop his skills around the world and try to earn as much money as he can. No problem with that.

Here is what I have a problem with. If you look around the world right now, at the very best cricketers, all have central contracts playing for their respective countries. Some very good ones may be freelancing only because of the depth of their countries’ cricketing talents and as such, unable to get an offer for a contract, shop their skills around.
Bravo is different. He is considered one of best cricketers in the region and as such was offered a contract. In doing refusing to sign, I believe he has spit in the face of the WICB and the people of the West Indies.
We all understand that the constant bickering between the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) that represents the player’s interests and the West Indies Cricket Board can be a turn off, but when one declines an offer to represent the West Indies, it is nothing short of a slap in the face. It further confirms my belief that players of this era of West Indies Cricket, have lost sight of why we play cricket, of why we strive to be the best in the world. It’s not just for them, but for the people of the region who have railed against the colonial masters who once ruled us. True, we may now be independent but the principle still remains central to the success of the team. And that is perhaps why we now do so poorly in that regard, because money has now replaced the long-held traditions and spirit that fueled the way we played.
This mercenary behaviour can only do harm in that it sets a bad example for upcoming cricketers who may choose to follow suit further weakening an already weakened West Indies. I am well aware that careers in sport are short and Bravo may see where it best serves his cause to gather as much money as he can now so that his life can be better after his playing days are done, but this somehow doesn’t sit well with me.

It suggests greed over ‘country’, self over all else and that is never a good sign from anyone.

Kieron Pollard, too, has declined a contract from the WICB but you know what, for all his big hitting, that’s not such a bad deal because he still cant bat. And for all his big hitting until he learns how to, has very little to offer to the great legacy that is West Indies cricket; a legacy that is clearly now under serious threat.

Mercenary Bravo: Free as a bird to shop his skills around.

Mercenary Bravo: Free as a bird to shop his skills around