Ramnaresh Sarwan predicts mass exodus of West Indies players to the US

Former West Indies captain and batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has expresses concern over the current state of Test cricket in the Caribbean region, fearing that the dwindling interest in the longest format of the game may lead to a talent drain to the United States.

The rapid rise of T20 cricket and the preference of players for this shorter format has pushed red-ball cricket to the sidelines. Sarwan believes that the number of first-class matches played per season, which currently stands at a mere five, should be increased to a minimum of ten to provide players with more opportunities to hone their skills in the traditional format.

In addition to the lack of emphasis on Test cricket, Sarwan also highlights the scarcity of proper cricketing infrastructure in the region.

The 44-year-old, who amassed over 10,000 runs in 87 Tests and 181 ODIs, shared the field with fellow Guyanese Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the legendary Brian Lara for a significant portion of his international career.

"Yeah, Test cricket is at a very low point to be honest. Among the games that we are playing again in the Caribbean, I don't think it's sufficient to develop our players; but I also think there is this major threat of T20 cricket where a lot of people are showing interest in the shortest format," he said.

"I think one of the biggest challenges we've had is facilities in the region. I think the cricket board has been working on it. So we'll see what happens," he added.

Sarwan doesn't object to cricketers earning income from the numerous franchise leagues, but he believes the temptation is affecting the format he cherishes and took immense satisfaction in playing.

Considering the current trajectory of the sport, Sarwan anticipates a significant departure of Caribbean players to the United States, where cricket has gained substantial momentum following the hosting of the T20 World Cup and its inclusion in the 2028 LA Olympics program.

"I think having T20 format in the US, which is so close to the Caribbean...of course, they (players) would have the opportunity now to participate in the short format of the game in the US.

"So you might find a lot of people jumping ship in terms of coming to the US and start participating in T20 and of course try and see if they could find a way in terms of becoming legal in the US and then start hopefully pushing the play in the US," said Sarwan, who also spends a lot of time in the US.

Sarwan has a busy schedule as he owns and operates two eateries in Georgetown. One of the establishments offers a blend of Italian and American cuisine, while the other specializes in a fusion of Thai and Indian flavors.

Further discussing the longer format of the game, Sarwan expressed that a quick resolution to the current challenges faced by Test cricket is unlikely to be found in the near future.

"I don't think it's something that can be done only in the Caribbean. I think the ICC probably would have to intervene to put a limit in terms of how many T20 tournaments are being played around the world.

"Of course you want to have the best players available for all those leagues and of course you also want to be able to represent the countries. So I think it's a major challenge in terms of saying what is the ideal scenario. At some point in time, the ICC probably would have to intervene, which I really don't see happening in the near future," said Sarwan.

On the question whether the advent of T20 leagues has had an effect on players wanting to play for the West Indies, especially Test cricket, Sarwan said: "I don't want to say it's diminished, but probably because of the shorter format of the game, it has taken a lot of players' attention. So they probably would have worked more in the shorter format rather than the longer format.

"We all know what Test cricket requires. We just don't call it Test cricket because of the term Test cricket, right? It's been over five days and of course the Test is usual in every aspect you could possibly think of.

"That is one of the reasons, like I said, the guys have probably lost their focus on the longer format," Sarwan reasoned.

Despite the challenges facing Caribbean cricket, Sarwan still reasons for optimism, with some of the young talents emerging from the region.

One player who has caught his eye is Guyanese fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who made an impressive debut in the Test series against Australia. Sarwan believes Joseph has the potential to become a key figure in the West Indies bowling attack. Additionally, he enjoys watching the batting of Nicholas Pooran, a dynamic left-handed wicket-keeper batsman from Trinidad and Tobago.

Sarwan has consistently admired Hashim Amla from South Africa, among other cricket teams. When discussing Indian cricket, his top two choices are always Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

"I like Rohit because of his confidence and he does everything with elegance. With Virat, apart from his batting ability, I admire his work ethics, determination, passion and the face that he is never shy to take on the opposition verbally," concluded Sarwan.

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