Fans and experts across the globe are left in utter shock after West Indies failed to qualify for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 for the first time in the history of cricket.
Once dominating the game, West Indies had a mediocre outing in the league stage of the Qualifiers with only two wins out of four. In the Super 6 stage, they had a daunting task to win all the remaining matches in order to stay afloat in the tournament. However, the Shai Hope-led team faced a crushing seven-wicket defeat against Scotland on Saturday and in the process their hope to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023 dashed.
The two times World Champions have now been knocked out of the race. Reflecting on the team debacle, West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder harped on backing the young players in the team. The former West Indies captain stated that these players might change the fortune of the team in the coming years.
“I don’t think all is lost. There are a lot of young guys in the group who can definitely develop and turn things around for West Indies cricket. We have got a young crop of players and we have got to put some support around them. It is really important that we try to utilize time outside of competition and put things in place where we can develop our talent,” said Holder.
“We have to look at the levels below and improve them so that when guys get here, they have a good foundation. It is an area we need to pay some special attention to. It is not a quick fix. It is something we need to spend time on. Development is the most important thing. Hopefully in the next couple of years, we can see the fruits of that crop,” he added.