In a world where social media has become a breeding ground for hate, misogyny, and racism, athletes are among the most vulnerable to faceless attacks. The anonymity of online platforms emboldens the worst of society, allowing people to spew vile abuse without consequence, while the targets—often Black, female, or from marginalized communities—are expected to endure it in silence.
Recent comments by former ICC Chairman Greg Barclay suggesting the West Indies should disband were both controversial and disrespectful. However, they touched on an uncomfortable truth. Over the last 15 months, several prominent voices—including Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring, former Trinidad and Tobago CWI Director Baldath Mahabir, and myself as a former CWI Communications Officer—have publicly discussed the fragile state of West Indies cricket. The broken global cricket economy poses a severe threat to the region's survival.