Hardik Pandya: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has called on Cricket West Indies (CWI) to improve the basic facilities provided to visiting teams. Pandya, who led India to a 2-1 victory in the recent ODI series, said that the team had been “disappointed“ with the lack of amenities, including poor food, cramped hotel rooms, and delayed flights.
“We don’t ask for luxury but we need some basic necessities taken care of,” Pandya said. “Things can be better when we come to West Indies next time. From travelling to managing a lot of things.”
He also praised the Board for the positive parts saying “This was one of the nicest grounds we have played on. Things can be better when we come to the West Indies next time. From travelling to managing a lot of things.”
Pandya’s comments come after a number of other Indian cricketers have complained about the facilities in the Caribbean. In 2021, Rohit Sharma said that the team had been “forced to eat out” because the food in their hotel was “unfit for human consumption.”
CWI has not yet responded to Pandya’s comments. However, the board has been under pressure to improve its facilities in recent years. In 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) warned CWI that it could be suspended if it did not improve its standards.
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Pandya’s comments have been met with support from fans and pundits. Many have called on CWI to take action and provide visiting teams with the facilities they deserve.
It remains to be seen whether CWI will take heed of Pandya’s comments. However, if the board wants to improve its reputation and attract top-level cricket, it will need to address the concerns of visiting teams.
In addition to the basic amenities that Pandya mentioned, there have also been complaints about the state of the pitches in the Caribbean.
In the recent ODI series, India won the first match on a flat pitch in Ahmedabad. However, the pitches in the subsequent matches in Trinidad and Barbados were much more challenging.
This led to some criticism of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), who were accused of preparing pitches that favored the home team.
The WICB has defended its record, saying that it prepares pitches that are “fair” to both teams. However, the complaints from Indian cricketers suggest that there is still work to be done in this area.
Overall, it is clear that there are a number of issues that need to be addressed if cricket in the Caribbean is to reach its full potential. The WICB needs to improve the facilities that are provided to visiting teams, and it also needs to ensure that the pitches are fair to both teams.
If the WICB can address these issues, it will be well on its way to becoming a major force in world cricket.