ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has reached the halfway stage. All 10 teams have played at least 4 of their 9 group matches. Meanwhile, seasonal fans are confused as they didn’t witness West Indies playing a single game in the tournament. They have a question in mind why is West Indies not playing 2023 World Cup? So, what’s the reason behind the 2-time champion Caribbean side’s absence from the prestigious tournament?
Why is West Indies not playing in World Cup 2023?
West Indies are the champions of the first two editions of CWC, in 1975 and 1979. In the following edition in 1983, they made it to the final again, however, their quest for a hat-trick was halted by India. In that era, West Indies’ playing XI possessed names like Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd, Joel Garner, Andy Roberts, and Michael Holding – each of these names alone was enough to strike fear into the minds of their opponents.
West Indies failed to qualify for the CWC 2023
But after 40 years, let alone winning the trophy or reaching the final, the West Indies Cricket team has not even made it to the World Cup. The Men in Maroon had failed to get a direct entry as they didn’t finish the ICC Super League in the top 8 positions. However, they had another chance to book one of the remaining two berths by finishing in the top two positions in the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifier.
But, the Windies side disappointed their fans again as they finished the Qualifier stage at the 5th spot, subsequently ending their World Cup hopes. This is the reason why West Indies is not playing 2023 World Cup. This marks the first time they have failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup.
Why West Indies Cricket Decline?
T20 Cricket has proven to be both a boon and a bane for the West Indies. With the arrival of T20 Cricket, the West Indies introduced several big names such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and DJ Bravo to World Cricket. West Indies players are known for their aggressive style, and it’s this very approach that has led to their success in T20 cricket. The Men in Maroon clinched the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2014.
Alongside the success of T20 cricket, the decline of the West Indies Cricket Board began. As T20 Cricket and the IPL gained fame, West Indies Cricketers started to prioritize this format more. What they could earn in a single IPL season often surpassed their annual international earnings. Additionally, numerous leagues emerged, such as the Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, SA20, and West Indies’ own Caribbean Premier League.
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Consequently, many Windies star players began playing league cricket rather than focusing on International Cricket, which contributed to the downfall of the West Indies cricket team. Also, West Indies cricket has been going through financial crises, and thus the quality of cricket is declining there.