EDITORIAL
As defending champions, West Indies (WI) have so far performed well in the 2018 iteration of the ICC Women’s World T20. We see this tournament as hopefully a sign of things to come, and a huge step forward for the development of the women’s game in the Caribbean.
Two years ago, West Indies cricket fans were captivated by not one, not two, but three victories from our teams in international competitions – the Men’s World Twenty20, the Women’s World Twenty20 and the Under-19 World Cup. To WI fans, it felt like a pivotal moment, as if the region had finally received the signal that our cricket was on the rise to take top spot, as years gone by. The jubilant scenes of revelry – when the WI women’s team turned up in the stadium and on the field to celebrate the senior men’s victory – are etched in our minds.
Unfortunately, that was an illusion that barely lasted; since then, all the teams’ fortunes have been mixed in the various versions of the game.
Despite this, or perhaps because of the hunger for success, Caribbean crowds are captivated by the Women’s 2018 World Twenty-20 Cup, which has featured large home crowds in St. Lucia, Guyana and Antigua. Spectators have been treated to excellent, nail-biting contests in which opposing teams have provided thrilling entertainment and value for money. In short, this tournament has been revelatory for some, proving once and for all that women’s cricket can be a drawing card in the region.
The women’s game has not always taken off as it should in this part of the world, and with fewer female players taking up an interest, further more playing, Caribbean persons have not always been au fait with the players in the same way they have been aware of the men. However, it is clear that where there is a
thirst and a market, the regional public will respond. And we think now is the time for authorities to capitalise on the inherent interest that may have been generated among young girls.
Increased developmental programmes and exposure to the game are critical. Women’s cricket is being pushed by the ICC around the world, and such a showcase in our backyard provides great advertisement for young girls who can see themselves advancing in a career in cricket.
For that to happen, there must be investment at the local and regional levels that encourages more girls in the primary and secondary settings to be trained, and boosted by the occasional visit and mentorship from current, women’s team members.
The tournament is soon at an end, with the final two teams set to meet tomorrow, but there is much one can take from the general experience. The overall level of play has been phenomenal and the crowd support, even more so.
Let us hope this is the start of the region hosting more women’s cricket games – and perhaps at a later date, building a year-round women’s cricket league; especially in the T20 format, which is very popular with regional crowds.