- A strong WTC deal gives West Indies a better negotiating position with the board, says Daren Sammy. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes strong performances in the World Test Championship cycle can help the team gain a better negotiating position with the board despite financial constraints.
- A strong WTC deal puts West Indies in a better position to negotiate with the board, says Daren Sammy (Photo source:
- Cricket West Indies recently announced a 25 percent cut in international players’ fees as part of measures to address what it described as a financial, development and competitive crisis.
A strong WTC deal gives West Indies a better negotiating position with the board, says Daren Sammy. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes strong performances in the World Test Championship cycle can help the team gain a better negotiating position with the board despite financial constraints.
A strong WTC deal puts West Indies in a better position to negotiate with the board, says Daren Sammy (Photo source: Cricket West Indies recently announced a 25 percent cut in international players’ fees as part of measures to address what it described as a financial, development and competitive crisis. The West Indies players are yet to sign an international contract for the coming season.
Sammy acknowledged the financial pressure the team is under but stressed the focus remains on delivering strong performances in the dressing room. Ahead of the opening Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on October 28 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Sammy explained how the team responded during India’s recent tour despite the announcement of a pay cut. “No, if you look at the way we played in the India series when the news (of the pay cut) was shared with the players and the way they reacted in that India series, it shows the drive, passion and desire to help turn West Indies cricket around,” Sammy was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
What problems are there for the Antilles in the WTC cycle? Sammy acknowledged the reality of the board’s financial situation while emphasizing the importance of using on-field success as a negotiating tool. He highlighted that the International Cricket Council has invested significant prize money in the World Test Championship and is offering additional incentives to teams that finish in the top five.
“I think there is a reality and an understanding of where you are as a professional, as a board, and it’s no secret where we are obviously financially. My word to the boys, especially in the Test Championship: If you finish in the top five, there are additional incentives. “ICC has invested a lot of money in the World Test Championships in terms of prize money and this is a chance for our boys to move up from the eighth position we have finished in the last two cycles,” Sammy explained.
Sammy challenged the players to improve their position through strong performances on the field. He highlighted the good results of the white team during the tour of India and expressed hope that the red team can repeat this success in Bangladesh. “And what I have challenged the boys to do is to put ourselves in a better position to negotiate and attract sponsors with the performances we show on the field.”
And I thought the white ball teams did it very well in India and I hope we can do it as a red ball team here in Bangladesh,” Sammy said. The West Indies head coach stressed that there is a lot at stake for both teams in the upcoming series. Bangladesh are currently ranked fourth in the World Test Championship rankings and will be looking to secure maximum points to boost their chances of reaching the final.
“I think there is a lot at stake for both teams. Everyone plays Test cricket to win. When the Test Championship started, we already had an eye on where we wanted to end up.
If you look at what we have, the opponent, we are in a very good position to achieve this goal,” said Sammy. Sammy reflected on the team’s journey in the current World Test Championship cycle, noting that the West Indies finished eighth in the previous two cycles. He emphasized the importance of understanding the processes needed to improve the team’s position.
“And that’s life. I have often spoken about what success means to our team. It may be different for you and for people outside, but we understand the processes and steps we need to take to get where we want to go.
And I think every team takes those little steps to get us to where we want to be,” Sammy said. Why is the Bangladesh series crucial for West Indies? The West Indies have not lost a series in 2026, a significant achievement highlighted by Sammy as the team prepared for their final Test championship mission.
He emphasized the importance of maximizing the remaining opportunities in the cycle. “The expectations are still there. Like I said, the way we played Test cricket this year, we didn’t lose a series this year.
It’s been a long time since we didn’t lose a series in a year. And this is our final series of the Test Championship. The message to the boys: give it your all,” said Sammy.
With ten possible days of Test cricket remaining in the World Test Championship cycle, Sammy urged his players to deliver their best performances. He expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and readiness to face the challenge ahead. “We have ten possible days of Test cricket left in this cycle and we are going out and giving it our all.
Whatever motivates you, use it to get out there and perform. “We prepared very well,” said Sammy. Sammy admitted that the West Indies will be missing the in-form Shai Hope, who is unavailable for the series.
However, he stressed that Hope’s absence would give other players the opportunity to excel and prove themselves. “Shai Hope, we saw what he did. Having played in all formats, he is excellent for us.
But also Justin Greaves, Jangu, John Campbell, the way he has improved, Brandon King coming into Test cricket, Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales. That’s why we don’t just rely on one person. We miss Shai Hope, but this is an opportunity for someone else to make a name for themselves,” said Sammy.
Shamar Joseph missed the practice match due to stomach problems but Sammy was omistic that the fast bowler would be available for the opening Test. He noted that Joseph’s commitment and work ethic indicate he will be ready when the game begins. “(Joseph) is running pretty hard in front of the net today.
One thing I know about Shamar: As soon as the bell rings, he makes himself available and I get 110% from him every time. So I hope that by all accounts we pick from 15 men and yes, I’m hpy to finish the Test Championship against a team like Bangladesh who have proven extremely difficult to beat at home, especially after some good results in this year’s Test cycle. So I hope we talk, but if we talk, the West Indies will emerge victorious,” Sammy concluded.
