Deryck Murray calls for CWI president's ouster

Deryck Murray, a former West Indies wicketkeeper, has called for the head of Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr. Kishore Shallow. "The board - with him, the West Indies board, the personnel of the board at the moment - has to remove itself peacefully, amicably, and allow a change to take place," the West Indies legend said, objecting to Shallow's dual role in the Caribbean ecosystem.

Murray was referring to Shallow's recent appointment as Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Government. Murray did not exactly use words like conflict of interest, but he has meant as much. "As I say, if we continue with the status quo, we drift into irrelevance," Murray (82), who played 62 Tests and 26 ODIs in the golden era of West Indies cricket - the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s - said.

Shallow did not respond to a question from Cricbuzz, but the CWI president recently addressed the issue, stating that while the dual role is uncommon in the region, it does not constitute a conflict of interest. "I have thought long and hard about it. My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and commitment to complete the reforms already set in motion. It is for this reason that I will conclude my current term with the intention not to seek re-election in 2028."

Murray, who has previously dabbled in cricket administration, hit out at the CWI for not coordinating more closely with the IOC to ensure the West Indies - not an individual Caribbean island - participates in the Los Angeles Olympics as West Indies cricket will be completing 100 years in 2028.

"I am very disappointed that the West Indies board has not approached the International Olympic Committee for special dispensation for there to be a West Indies cricket team, which has been in existence for 100 years, to continue to be represented at the Olympics. It seems as though we have not approached this as something the West Indies should be part of, and that it should be individual territories.

"That's a big disappointment for me. And if that continues, then as I see the West Indies as a cricket entity - nation, whatever - we drift into irrelevance. My own vision for West Indies cricket is to celebrate that 100th year as a point that is going to be a catalyst for the West Indies to return to its former glories," Murray told a Caribbean radio show Mason & Guest on Tuesday.

West Indies made their international debut on June 23, 1928, when they played their first-ever Test against England at Lord's.