For the first time in ODI World Cup history, the West Indies cricket team has failed to qualify for the mega event. They were forced to play the qualifiers before the 2019 World Cup also but they eventually managed to finish in top two along with Afghanistan to save themselves from humiliation.

The West Indies cricket team emerged as a formidable force in the 1970s under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd.

Blessed with a lineup of exceptional talents such as Viv Richards and Joel Garner, they instilled fear in their opponents. The West Indian team also had legends like Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding.

They achieved a remarkable feat of winning back-to-back World Cups, in 1975 and 1979. Their reign continued into the 1980s, led by the iconic Richards, as they remained virtually unbeatable in both Test matches and One Day Internationals.

The West Indies team has been on a decline for the past two decades. Although they won two T20 World Cup titles, in 2012 and 2016, their performance in the other two formats has been on the decline.

Former skipper Darren Sammy retired from international cricket and his colleagues like Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have time but refused to play for the West Indies as international cricket couldn't provide them enough financial support, while through T20 leagues they can earn much more in a short time.

Due to the lack of interest of the big players, currently West Indies are No. 8 in Tests, 10th in ODIs and seventh in the shortest format.

The West Indies were formidable even in the 1990s as Richie Richardson inherited the team from Richards and had the services of Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. That period of dominance, which was made possible due to the perfect combination of intimidation, aura and skill, remains the most fabled and feared in the history of cricket.

Between February 2009 and July 2012, West Indies won just two of 33 Test matches, while the knock-on effect of their ODI form was that they failed to qualify for the 2017 Champions Trophy through the ICC's rankings system.

Now it is difficult for the West Indies to find another Clive Lloyd or Viv Richards or Brian Lara or Courtney Walsh.

Several factors have contributed to the downfall of the West Indies cricket team. One crucial factor has been the exodus of talented players to lucrative T20 leagues around the world. The financial allure of these leagues, coupled with limited opportunities in the West Indies, has led to a drain of talent from the national team. The absence of experienced and skilled players has significantly weakened the team's overall performance.

Another factor is the decline in grassroots development and infrastructure.

The West Indies cricket board has struggled to invest adequately in youth development programmes, coaching, and infrastructure, leading to a dearth of talent. Without a strong pipeline of young cricketers, the team has struggled to find promising replacements for their ageing stars.

The decline of the West Indies cricket team is a sad tale of lost glory.

By investing in grassroots development, resolving internal conflicts, and implementing long-term strategies, the West Indies cricket team can regain its former greatness. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together to rebuild the team and reclaim their position as one of the cricket world's powerhouses.

Additionally, internal conflicts and administrative issues have plagued West Indies cricket. Frequent disputes between the board and players over contracts and selection have created a divisive atmosphere within the team. These conflicts have often spilled onto the field, affecting the team morale and cohesion.

Furthermore, the West Indies cricket team should focus on long-term planning rather than short-term fixes. Building a sustainable and competitive team requires patience, strategic thinking, and the development of a strong team culture.

Reviving the West Indies cricket team requires addressing various challenges. First, the cricket board must invest in grassroots development programmes, improve coaching structures, and create a supportive environment for budding cricketers. By nurturing young talent and providing them with ample opportunities, the team can rebuild its talent pool.

The West Indies Board has moved to make the entire domestic cricket setup professional in the last six years, giving incentives to youngsters to take up cricket as a full-time career. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the franchise T20 tournament, is also an effort to uplift cricket in the region.

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