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Why Did West Indies Cricket Collapse?

There was a time when every cricket-playing nation shied away from facing the West Indies (WI). The squad dominated the cricketing world. Far from defeating the Indies, it was also a big challenge to stay in front of them. 

The rise of the West Indies started in the early 70s and continued till the early 90s. That era was indeed a golden era for the squad. In 1975, when the International Cricket Conference (ICC) decided to host the World Cup in a new format i.e. One Day cricket, the West Indians participated in this too. The Indies team lifted the trophy in 1975. In 1979 WI again showcased their terrific run in the tournament and won the contest. The squad was also the runner-up in the third World Cup held in 1983. 

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Also Read: 3 Indian Players That Can Lead Team India In Future

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Why Did West Indies Cricket Collapse?

Indies were indeed a powerhouse of the game. This mighty team left many squads to bite dust who stood against them. From 1976 to 1995, the team played 137 tests, in which they lost in 18 and won 71 games. It was 1987 when the decline of West Indies cricket became evident. The squad could not qualify for the semis in the World-Cup and were knocked out of the tournament. In 1987, the team’s batting appeared to be the Achilles heel, and many cricketing pundits believed that poor batting was the reason why West Indies was sinking.

After Richards, Greenidge, and Haynes retired, the squad even failed to qualify for the 1992 World Cup semi-finals again, followed by a loss against Australia at home in 1985. The team also lost in the semis in the 1996 World Cup. 

Not only this, but the West Indies cricket board also failed to provide opportunities, infrastructure, and a better playing atmosphere for the players. The board took its initial success for granted and thought that the Indies veteran would remain forever. In the late 90s, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the commercial route, where the board saw the opportunity to earn a lot more. Countries were eager to host or tour India rather than Indies. However, the rise of the BCCI was also a reason why several smaller cricketing nations failed.

The rise of athletes in the Indies can also be considered one of the reasons why cricket was slowly losing its shine. Several bright young children took up athletics, track and field events to get scholarships from American Universities. Well, now the situation has completely changed. There are numerous ways in which upcoming cricketers can earn big bucks from cricket. The commencement of the T20 format indeed gave a boost to West Indian cricket.

When it comes to T20 (the most popular format in modern-day cricket), the most sought-after players are from the Indies. Gayle, Russel, Pollard, Bravo, Sunil Narine are already doing great in franchise-level cricket. 

Thanks to franchise cricket and T20 formats, the West Indies cricket has received a new lease of life. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Indies lifting the ODI World Cup in the future.

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