Cricket West Indies (CWI) has entered crisis mode following one of the most humiliating performances in its Test cricket history. After the West Indies were skittled out for a shocking 27 runs in their second innings against Australia during the third Test in Jamaica, CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow called for an emergency review meeting on July 15.
This historic collapse—marked by Mitchell Starc's devastating spell of 6 for 9, including a hat-trick—has triggered widespread concern about the state of West Indies' red-ball cricket. The match, held under lights at Sabina Park, ended in complete disaster, prompting urgent introspection from the board.
In a heartfelt and strongly worded letter, Dr. Shallow admitted to being "pained and disappointed" by the performance. He emphasized the need for immediate reflection and recovery, inviting some of the Caribbean’s most legendary figures—Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Brian Lara—to contribute their insights during the upcoming strategy session. Other past greats already serving on the committee—Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Ian Bradshaw—are also expected to play a pivotal role in these discussions.
Shallow urged unity over blame, noting that this crisis is a turning point that calls for collective effort from every corner of the cricketing ecosystem: players, coaches, fans, administrators, and legends.
West Indies cricket, once a dominant force, has been steadily declining for years, particularly in the longer formats. While T20 cricket—especially global franchise leagues—has offered financial appeal and produced success (like their two T20 World Cup titles), Test and ODI performances have suffered dramatically. The 27-run collapse, their lowest-ever Test score, underscores how far the team has fallen.
This emergency meeting could become a defining moment. With its mix of introspection, experienced voices, and strategic rethinking, CWI hopes to initiate a roadmap that restores pride and competitiveness in West Indies Test cricket—a format that once defined their global supremacy.
