ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The worldwide cricket group will as soon as once more really feel the burden of West Indian affect, as Desmond Haynes, one of many sport’s most iconic figures, has been appointed to the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) Males’s Cricket Committee.
His inclusion alerts a strong continuation of Caribbean illustration in shaping the fashionable recreation.
Haynes assumes the distinguished position following the completion of the tenure of fellow West Indian nice, Roger Harper, a revered cricket thoughts and administrator who served the committee with distinction for the previous three years.
A torch handed, a legacy continued
With this appointment, Cricket West Indies (CWI) ensures that the voice of the Caribbean stays firmly embedded inside one of many sport’s most influential decision-making our bodies. The ICC Males’s Cricket Committee holds the duty of recommending legal guidelines, enjoying circumstances, and improvements that affect worldwide cricket throughout all ranges.
“The appointment of Dr. Desmond Haynes to the ICC Males’s Cricket Committee is a major second for West Indies cricket,” mentioned Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI.
“Not solely does he carry his legendary standing as one in every of our best opening batsmen but additionally his sharp cricket thoughts and deep understanding of the fashionable recreation.”
– Commercial –
Shallow additional emphasised Haynes’ administrative credentials: “His confirmed monitor file in cricket administration and former position as Lead Selector provides him distinctive insights into each the technical and governance points of cricket. Subsequently, we had no reservation in proudly recommending him to this committee.”
From crease commander to international advisor
Haynes brings not solely cricketing pedigree, but additionally a confirmed legacy of management and imaginative and prescient. From January 2022 to June 2024, he served as Lead Selector for the West Indies Males’s Group, enjoying a pivotal position in squad improvement, youth inclusion, and long-term strategic planning. Now, he enters an enviornment the place these insights can affect the very cloth of the game worldwide.
The ICC Males’s Cricket Committee, working as a sub-committee of the Chief Executives’ Committee, advises on essential points together with:
- Legal guidelines and rules of the sport
- Taking part in circumstances and event frameworks
- Umpiring requirements and enforcement
- Expertise integration
- Evaluation of unlawful bowling actions
This advisory board consists of cricket’s elite minds—former worldwide stars, umpires, coaches, board executives, media representatives, and affiliate nation advocates. Chaired by a former worldwide cricketer with captaincy or 30+ Take a look at match expertise, members serve as much as three consecutive three-year phrases, making Haynes’ involvement doubtlessly lengthy and impactful.
A profession etched in greatness
Few figures in world cricket command the reverence of Desmond Haynes. From 1978 to 1994, he donned the maroon cap in 116 Take a look at matches—scoring 7,487 runs with 18 centuries—and featured in 238 ODIs, amassing 8,648 runs with 17 centuries. His unmatched consistency on the high of the order fashioned the spine of the West Indies throughout its golden period.
Alongside his legendary companion, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Haynes helped script some of the feared opening duos in cricket historical past. Collectively, they blunted bowling assaults, ignited international audiences, and etched their names into the folklore of the sport. A proud second in Haynes’ storied journey got here when he helped lead West Indies to World Cup glory in 1979.
In June 2021, the cricketing world honored his legacy together with his induction into the ICC Corridor of Fame, sealing his place among the many recreation’s all-time greats.
Gratitude to Harper, optimism for the long run
Whereas Haynes’ appointment charts a promising future, CWI additionally took a second to salute his predecessor.
“On behalf of CWI, I have to additionally categorical our honest gratitude to Roger Harper, who has served with distinction over the previous three years,” mentioned Dr. Shallow. “Roger’s contributions have helped form necessary selections within the international recreation and he has represented West Indies cricket admirably on the ICC degree.”
As Haynes steps into his new international position, he carries not simply his popularity and knowledge, however the aspirations of a cricketing area steeped in excellence. His journey from record-breaking opener to influential policymaker displays a full-circle evolution—one which guarantees to go away a long-lasting imprint on the sport’s current and its future.
