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In a candid revelation, Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has bared the stark reality of the dire state of affairs in West Indies cricket. The veteran spinner, who was part of the recent Test series in the Caribbean, didn't hold back as he unveiled the sad condition of cricketing facilities and infrastructure in the region. Echoing the sentiments of fellow cricketer Hardik Pandya, Ashwin shed light on the challenges faced by West Indies' budding cricketers due to inadequate resources.
Ashwin's critique stemmed from his experience during the Test series between India and West Indies. The spinner detailed the woeful state of the cricketing infrastructure, pointing out that even the basic necessities were lacking. He highlighted the need for an overhaul in the system, particularly focusing on the development of facilities for young cricketers at various levels.
For Ashwin, it's clear that to nurture cricketing talent, a solid infrastructure is indispensable. He emphasized that cricket's progress within a nation starts with robust facilities and resources at all levels. He stressed the importance of providing the U10, U12, and U14 cricketers with adequate practice facilities, nets, and grounds to hone their skills. Ashwin firmly believes that if a young cricketer has access to quality facilities, their hard work will undoubtedly pay off, contributing to the overall growth of the sport.
Ashwin provided a vivid account of the challenges faced by cricketers training in the West Indies. He disclosed that while practicing at the Barbados Test Center, they encountered dilapidated nets and surfaces devoid of grass. Ashwin clarified that his intention wasn't to place blame, but to bring attention to the realities that West Indies cricketers face day in and day out. He expressed genuine sympathy for their predicament, highlighting how this inadequate infrastructure hampers their ability to compete on a global stage.
The poor state of infrastructure, according to Ashwin, has significantly contributed to the decline of cricket in the West Indies. He asserted that the subpar facilities have affected the development of cricketers and have hindered their ability to adapt to different playing conditions. As pitches in the West Indies have become slower, Ashwin stressed the importance of proper pitch maintenance to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.
Ashwin's candid revelations have put a spotlight on a pressing issue that the West Indies cricketing fraternity faces. The need for improved infrastructure and facilities is evident, and Ashwin's words shed light on the stark contrast between the conditions faced by West Indies cricketers and their international counterparts. The call for change is clear – without a concerted effort to uplift cricketing infrastructure in the Caribbean, the talent and potential of budding cricketers might continue to be stifled.
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