PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Caribbean Today) – In a bid to calm rising public discontent, Cricket West Indies Vice President Azim Bassarath has issued a clear call for patience, stating the board believes “more time should be given to the Darren Sammy project.”
Speaking frankly on the i95.5FM Isports program with host Andre Errol Baptiste, Bassarath acknowledged the troubled climate surrounding the men’s team’s direction but urged the region to support the current leadership.
His comments come amid growing debate over the team’s inconsistent performances under the all-format head coach.
“The directors believe that more time should be given, so the region needs to understand that,” Bassarath stated.
He confirmed that Sammy’s tenure will be formally assessed, likely around the time of CWI’s Annual General Meeting.
“Maybe a discussion paper can be circulated, and the directors can have a look at it,” he noted, framing it as a deliberate process. “It is something that we must give time to see if it can work.”
Addressing the key question of a fair timeline, the Vice President suggested the upcoming T20 World Cup next month will be a critical benchmark, alongside recent series results.
“Whether one year is a sufficient time is still to be debated. We look at his results where there are a few series and maybe the World Cup, and we can really have a look at his tenure at that time.”
Striking a conciliatory tone, Bassarath directly appealed to fans and critics alike to temper immediate judgment. “We shouldn’t rush into things. We shouldn’t be criticising too much,” he implored. “Let us lend our support to the guy and encourage the players and the coaches and so on, and see if we can turn the so-called corner again.”
He concluded by recognising the emotional weight of the issue, admitting, “I know that it is a troubling topic.”
The statement represents the board’s most direct effort yet to manage expectations, signalling that while a review is inevitable, a decision on Sammy’s future will not be rushed.
