Table of Contents
- Sammy on Legacy and Fair Compensation
- T20 World Cup Glory vs. Financial Reality
- The Economics of Caribbean Cricket
- From Captain to Advocate
- What’s Next for West Indies Cricket?
- Sources
Sammy on Legacy and Fair Compensation
“All what we ask for, we deserve,” said Daren Sammy, head coach of the West Indies cricket team, in a candid reflection on the team’s global impact versus the financial returns they’ve received. The two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain didn’t mince words: “We did not reap financial rewards of the legacy we have created.”
Sammy’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny over how Caribbean players are compensated despite consistently delivering on the world stage—especially in T20 leagues and ICC tournaments where their flair and power-hitting draw millions of viewers.
T20 World Cup Glory vs. Financial Reality
The West Indies stunned the cricketing world by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in both 2012 and 2016—the only team to do so twice. Yet, unlike counterparts from India, Australia, or England, many West Indian stars still rely heavily on overseas franchise leagues for stable income.
Despite their global brand value, players from the region often face inconsistent domestic contracts, limited infrastructure funding, and fewer sponsorship opportunities. “People see fireworks on the field,” Sammy said, “but not the financial insecurity off it.”
The Economics of Caribbean Cricket
Cricket West Indies (CWI) operates across 15 territories with varying economic conditions. Revenue from ICC events is shared among all Full Members—but the distribution doesn’t always translate into player welfare or development programs in the Caribbean.
A 2023 ICC revenue report showed that while the T20 World Cup generated over $1 billion in global revenue, smaller boards like CWI received a fraction compared to boards like BCCI or CA.
From Captain to Advocate
Sammy has long been a vocal advocate for his teammates. In 2016, he famously called out the board for not paying match fees during the World T20—a moment that sparked widespread support and eventual resolution.
Now as coach, he continues that mission. “This isn’t about greed,” he clarified. “It’s about dignity. When you win world titles, you set a standard. That standard should reflect in how you’re valued—not just celebrated.”
What’s Next for West Indies Cricket?
With the 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosted in the Caribbean and the USA, there’s hope that home-ground success could reignite investment in local talent. Sammy emphasized the need for sustainable structures: “We don’t want handouts. We want systems that reward excellence fairly.”
Young stars like Alzarri Joseph, Shai Hope, and Hayley Matthews are carrying the torch—but without better financial backing, retaining top talent long-term remains a challenge.
Sources
Sammy: ‘We did not reap financial rewards’ of the legacy we have created – ESPNcricinfo