Cricket fans around the Caribbean are, no doubt, still reeling from the humiliation the West Indies side suffered at the hands of Australia in the third Test that ended on Monday afternoon at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
In the first Day/Night Test ever hosted at the venue, the West Indies suffered a 176-run defeat inside three days.
Compounding the misery, the second innings saw the hosts being dismissed for a laughable 27, the second lowest total in Test history only behind New Zealand’s 26 done all the way back in 1955.
The magnitude of the defeat has led to President of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Dr. Kishore Shallow, issuing a statement addressing fans in the region on Tuesday morning.
“Like every West Indian cricket fan, I felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia. The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility,” the statement read.
“There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey.
“We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world,” he added.
Shallow then reiterated his belief in the talent and commitment of the players, noting the excellent performances of the team’s fast bowlers, in particular, throughout the series.
“Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will test us, but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves.
“We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve,” he said.
“Now is not the time to turn away. Now is the time to stand even closer as a people. These are the moments that shape us,” he added.
As an immediate step, Shallow has advised the chair of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee to convene an emergency meeting to review the recent Test series against Australia, particularly the final match.
To strengthen the discussions, he also has extended invitations to three of the regional team’s greatest batsmen ever: Sir Clive Lloyd of Guyana, Sir Vivian Richards of Antigua, and Brian Lara of Trinidad.
They will join past greats Dr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dr. The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, Ian Bradshaw, who already serve on the committee.
“This engagement is not ceremonial. These are men who helped define our golden eras, and their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations,” Shallow said.
“Consistent with my message over the last weeks, this is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division. We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward. There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together,” he added.
