Cricket used to mean pride for the Caribbean and talent and oneness. But now, the sport is not doing well, not because players are not talented enough or because people are not interested in them, but because the individuals controlling the sport are not doing their job correctly. The actual harm is not on the field but in the offices, where poor decisions are being made without accountability. The Main Problem: Power Without Responsibility Failure has become the norm in most regional cricket boards. The leaders don't care about improving the game anymore. They remain in their positions regardless of how poor the outcomes are. Nobody gets ousted, nobody resigns, and the same issues persist. In any other profession, such as in government, business, or education, this sort of failure would call for change. But in cricket, poor performance goes unnoticed. Public funds are expended with impunity, and appointments depend on friendships, not need. Also Read | Chris Gayle Net Worth in 2025: Salary, Cars Collections & Endorsements No Merit, No Planning When cricket boards are confronted with lopsided selections, they respond, "Selection is subjective." But in practice, it usually turns out to be nothing more than an excuse for bias. Emerging young talent is omitted, and veteran players are driven away if they object. "I don’t think the West Indies Cricket Board or the administration has done anything meaningful to keep players loyal to West Indies cricket, unlike what boards in countries like England, Australia, or even India have done" - Brian Lara after Windies 27-all out vs Aussies #WIvAUS — CricTrend (@CricTrend_CT) July 16, 2025 When one demands a proper development plan, one is presented with quick-fix programs designed to impress, not to better. There are no robust training systems, no long-term plans, and no transparent route for young players to develop. Fans Are Losing Hope Test cricket in the West Indies is dead. And I don't feel good saying that. It's sad. The current set of WI players don't care. The board doesn't seem to care. The fans probably don't care either. #AUSvsWI pic.twitter.com/2NiweniM1p — Rizwan Rehmat (@dohagames) July 14, 2025 The fans are still aware of what is happening. The spirit that used to fill stadiums is losing steam. Rather than protesting, the fans now express their dismay by remaining quiet and walking away from the game. The worst part is, the people in control don't even notice. They are immune from criticism or declining support. They stay in charge via influence, not results. Also Read | How a Woman’s Skirt Changed Cricket’s Bowling from Underarm to Overarm Double Standards in Discipline When a player is caught breaking rules, the process is swift, suspension or ban ensues. But if board members are confronted with serious allegations, nothing is done. They remain shielded, and taxpayers' money is spent on defending them rather than the sport or the players. The Hidden Problem: Sponsors and Governments Another critical concern is the conduct of sponsors and government organizations. Most of them keep on donating money to cricket boards despite knowing the reality. Some quit after getting audits with issues, but most do not call for actual change. The same failed leaders get to transition to new sponsors without facing any penalty. In a sense, these government agencies and sponsors are to blame too. They sustain the dysfunctional system. The Wrong People Get Blamed "It's so disappointing. I'm angry, I'm upset." 🏏💔A dejected Carl Hooper ponders over the future of West Indies cricket after they were skittled for just 27 runs against Australia in Jamaica.🌴Read more: https://t.co/zxjZOPzQAJABC listen app: https://t.co/VP2GGbfO5M#WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/GaxyVvtW4D — ABC SPORT (@abcsport) July 15, 2025 West Indies team head coach Darren Sammy has been targeted recently for the poor performance of the team. But blaming him alone for everything is not fair. The real issue lies with the local cricket boards who are supposed to develop players from the very beginning. These boards have done a poor job, and now players are getting trained at the top level rather than being prepared beforehand. Also Read | MCC in Cricket: Meaning, Significance & Why it Still Matters A Way Out: Fixing Cricket with Strong Laws At a cricket conference two years back, professionals stated what is to be done: enact new legislation to put the sport right. Some cricket boards have as many as 47 members, but no one is a cricketer. That is like a hospital with no physicians or a legal institution without lawyers. In order to save the sport, They need to change rules enabling poor leadership. New legislation should stipulate: Transparency - Open and honest working Accountability - Leaders must answer for their actions Independent audits - Regular checks by outside experts Clear systems - Rules to stop corruption and favoritism Only strong laws and true political support can fix the system. Without this, the game will keep getting worse, no matter how many times they say, “We’re rebuilding.” Conclusion: This is More Than Mismanagement - It’s a Betrayal This is not about errors. This is about shattering the trust of fans and players. Unless they reinvent the system on values of fairness, honesty, and purpose, there is no genuine hope for reform in the governance. There is still time to repair it, but it requires courage. Leaders must be held accountable like players. The laws need to change. The system needs to change. And people need to make it happen.