Amidst debate over Dr. Kishore Shallow’s ability to fulfill two demanding roles, Vice President Azim Bassarath noted that the Board’s decision was not unanimous but said the body has “full faith” in Shallow’s leadership, while he also serves as a government minister in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
On a recent radio sports program, Bassarath acknowledged split opinions: “Since Dr Shallow won in Saint Vincent, some say he should go, some say he should stay.”
“We cannot really take seriously some of the comments that were made by different people.”
Bassarath confirmed that CWI directors discussed the matter with Shallow, who assured them that he could manage both positions. The Board then reached majority agreement to support him for his CWI term.
“Dr. Shallow has said that he wants us to vote for his term, the directors agreed, of course, some of the directors would not have agreed,” Bassarath said.
“We know his capability, we know what he can do, and we give him the support, and we will continue to give him the support.”
Bassarath mentioned that Shallow’s energy, his previous consultancy work across the Caribbean, and his eight years of involvement in West Indies cricket were reasons for the Board’s confidence.
“He has the support of me and, of course, the other two directors at Cricket West Indies,” Bassarath affirmed.
Bassarath also indicated that a major structural reform in West Indies cricket is now under serious consideration and that CWI is moving toward implementing a model of “only one director per territory,” a change from the current structure.
“We have taken some of the recommendations from some of the reports. We have dealt quite a bit with the Wehby report,” Bassarath explained.
“Maybe in the very near future, we will be dealing with the two directors from a territorial board, which may be the next item on the agenda.”
Although no time frame was given, the Vice President was clear that the move is likely: “I am quite sure that is a topic and an item that will be dealt with in the near future at CWI.”
The potential reform represents a proactive step by CWI to address long-standing calls for governance modernization.
