Love for cricket doesn't buy you groceries: Daren Sammy on decline of West Indies

Daren Sammy (Source: AP)

One of the biggest upsets of ICC T20 World Cup 2022 took place in the qualifier stage of the showpiece event when Ireland decimated two-time T20 World champions West Indies by nine wickets to knock them out of the tournament. 

Former cricketers and cricket pundits expressed their disappointment following West Indies' massive setback in the tournament and their decline in the quickest format of the game. Daren Sammy, the two-time World Cup-winning captain is the latest addition to this tally. 

Sammy, just like others, expressed his discontent after the regional team was knocked out of the tournament. However, at the same time, he cited the practical difficulties that Caribbean players face, including not being paid enough by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Here's what Daren Sammy said: 

"India is strong because they can tell their players that you don't play anywhere else. You have to understand that they have the money to back it up." 

"An India A list contracted player could probably make a million dollars a year (Rs 7 crore plus match fees plus TV rights money) compared to a Windies A-lister, who would earn USD 150,000 (Rs 1.2 crore roughly)."

Difficult to keep players together when they are paid handsomely elsewhere: Sammy

The 38-year-old further conceded how it’s very difficult for smaller boards to keep their players together when they’re getting paid handsomely by playing in the different leagues across the world. 

"That's a massive difference and obviously the question of pay (disparity) will always come up. It's very difficult for smaller boards (in terms of financial might) to keep their players together when they are handsomely paid elsewhere." 

Speaking about the pay disparity between players from different countries, Sammy delivered a sentimental message saying that love for the game doesn’t buy you groceries from the supermarket.

“Gone are those days when you played for love. Love doesn't buy you groceries from the supermarket."

Sammy signed off by praising the New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) for handling their players and the international schedule well. 

"I think NZC does it quite well (no international cricket scheduled during IPL). If NZC can do it, it comes down to communication. It's up to the players and the boards to get a working system." 

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