Daren Sammy highlights decline of West Indies’ Test side

**By Parth Dhall | Oct 08, 2025 05:05 pm**

**The Story: Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy compares team’s decline to a “cancer”**

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has drawn a stark comparison between the decline of his Test side and a “cancer” that has been developing over a long period. Speaking ahead of the second Test against India in Delhi, Sammy highlighted that while role models in the shortest format of the game are readily available for younger players, they can only work with the resources currently at their disposal.

### Deep-rooted Issues in West Indies Cricket

West Indies suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test of the two-match series against India, losing by an innings and 140 runs. Ahead of the second Test, Sammy did not shy away from addressing the struggles faced by West Indies cricket, especially in the Test format.

“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism,” Sammy admitted. However, he emphasized that these problems did not arise just recently but are deeply ingrained in the system.

### Metaphorical Comparison: Cancer Analogy for West Indies Cricket Struggles

Sammy likened the challenges afflicting West Indies cricket to a “cancer that’s already in the system.” He explained, “If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”

He also spoke candidly about the financial struggles that have plagued West Indies cricket for years. “The difference between the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four is huge. We’ve been struggling with finances for a long time,” Sammy said.

### Missed Commercial Opportunities

Reflecting on past mistakes, Sammy lamented that West Indies failed to capitalize on commercial benefits when they were once the best side in the world — a gap that countries like India have effectively filled.

“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world,” he remarked. Sammy added that due to a lack of proper management and other contributing factors over the years, West Indies cricket is in dire need of financial resources to foster growth and resurgence.

### Woeful Numbers for West Indies

The statistics paint a grim picture for the Windies. According to ESPNcricinfo, West Indies have recorded 13 sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. In those innings, they failed to bat out 90 overs or even complete a full day.

Moreover, West Indies have won only two Tests against India since the start of this century, with the most recent victory coming in 2002. Overall, they have lost six of their last seven Tests.

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Sammy’s candid remarks underscore the urgent need for structural and financial reforms if West Indies cricket is to revive its former glory and competitiveness in the Test arena.
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