Cricket : Sammy Says Better Balance Being Struck Between WI And Franchise Commitments

Source: Jamaica Observer
Despite years of concerns that top West Indies players prioritise franchise leagues, Head Coach Daren Sammy says he has made a breakthrough in gaining the players’ commitment to the team.

Sammy, who captained the Windies to two T20 World Cup titles, has overseen the One-Day International (ODI) and T20 teams since May 2023 and was given the additional responsibility of the Test team in December.

Over the years, players from the region have actively competed in lucrative franchise T20 and T10 leagues worldwide, including countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

The players have received criticism from supporters and past players for turning down selection for the Windies, instead opting to play in franchise leagues.

However, Sammy says they now have a mutual understanding, which should decrease the problem going forward.

“We understand the scheme of cricket now, how franchise cricket has dominated over the last decade or so, especially for us West Indians. It has been the most difficult in any of the other countries because our players have been sought-after across the globe,” he said recently on Mbwanga Media, based in South Africa.

“I don’t like to use the word control because I don’t think we can, but I think with good communication and good planning like what we’re doing now, planning for the future, giving guys time to go out and play. Even with the contracted guys, we try to work where both parties are satisfied.”

While admitting the level of difficulty faced in having those conversations, Sammy says his experience as a player makes the job easier.

“Man management is the biggest asset as a coach because the players believe they are superstars, and once a man believes that, there’s nothing I can do,” he said. “So now, it’s for us to manage that, and my job is to try to get the best out of the situation that is presented to me.

“Back then, it wasn’t as difficult as it is now, but because I’ve experienced what I did back then, I’m able to work my way around these things, and it’s much clearer now with the scheduling and communication we have with the players to make things run smoother.”

Sammy, though, says there’s more leeway given to players missing the T20 international series due to the team’s rise in the rankings since his appointment.

“I’ve told them nobody’s missing any ODI,” he said. “We always want our strongest team for ODI qualifications. We’ve got to get up the rankings. However, with the T20 format, we’ve now moved to number three, [so] it’s a little easier. We have more players in that pool who are performing. So, if [Pooran] says, ‘Coach, I’ve been going for a long period, I’d like to get some rest, ’ then because we’ve had this conversation, it’s easier to fix and plan.”

The West Indies return to action in May when they travel to the United Kingdom to take on Ireland and England in a white ball series before hosting Australia in June in a Test and T20 series.