Former West Indies Women's cricket sensation Deandra Dottin has issued a passionate call to Cricket West Indies, urging the board to prioritize player respect and resources. Dottin, known for her explosive performances on the field, has warned that neglecting these crucial aspects could have dire consequences for the future of cricket in the Caribbean.

In a candid conversation on the Ladies Who Switch podcast, Dottin opened up about her thoughts on her retirement from international cricket and the issues she encountered within the cricket establishment. She expressed concern over the lack of attention given to players' needs, both in terms of resources and respect. Dottin stressed that without proper support and a conducive environment, players cannot perform at their best:

"To be honest, there's been a lot going on in the camp and so much I've been through, so many things that needed to be sorted out, and the players not getting the respect and basically the attention because there are things that needed to be done in order for players to actually perform to the best of their ability," she said.

Dottin, who announced her retirement from international cricket a year ago, cited issues with the team environment as a factor in her decision. Her illustrious career spanned 14 years, featuring remarkable achievements like the 2016 T20 World Cup title and the first century in Women's T20 Internationals.

Presently, Dottin is part of a growing trend among cricketers, both male and female, who are opting to focus on franchise tournaments worldwide. She is associated with teams such as Manchester Originals, Adelaide Strikers, Trinbago Knight Riders, and Barmy Army.

In her opinion, the structures of these leagues offer better support than what was available in the West Indies setup.

"This is basically me right now, playing in franchise... Every day is learning a learning curve for me. I'm not too old to learn," she said.

Dottin emphasized the importance of the West Indies Cricket Board learning from the systems in Australia and England, which prioritize player development and progression. She also highlighted the need for consistent support throughout a player's journey.

"You will see a player come into West Indies Cricket and then you actually see they disappear... it's basically like you're getting what you want out of me and then you just throw me aside," she declared.

While the West Indies Women's cricket team has seen successes in recent years, including a T20 World Cup victory, Dottin believes there's room for improvement. She pointed out the significance of the Women's Premier League (WIPL) as a financially attractive alternative, but she emphasized that respect, care, and the right structure for players are paramount.