Sulieman Benn Called for West Indies Cricket Investment
The former player argued that better funding and infrastructure are essential to restore the team to competitive levels.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Golf
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Sulieman Benn has advocated for significant financial and infrastructural investment to bolster West Indies cricket. The call follows a 2-1 series loss to India in a three-match ODI tournament.
Why it matters
Improving performance requires bridging the resource gap between grassroots development and senior levels. Enhanced bowling and fielding execution are also cited as critical areas for immediate improvement.
India secured eight-wicket victories in the first and second ODIs, while the West Indies claimed a five-wicket win in the third match. These results reflect a series outcome of 2-1 in favor of India.
The players
Sulieman Benn
He is a former professional cricketer who now serves as an advocate for structural changes within the sport.
Ajay Sethi
He is the owner of the West Indies Champions team and has spent 25 years building a professional network in the sport.
Chris Gayle
He is a prominent cricketer who serves as a member of the West Indies Champions squad.
Dwayne Bravo
He is an experienced professional cricketer currently playing for the West Indies Champions team.
The details
Benn emphasized that sustainable success depends on transitioning players effectively through Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 programs. Separately, the West Indies Champions team, owned by Ajay Sethi, continues to leverage a professional network built over 25 years.
Timeline
The West Indies last secured an ICC trophy in 2016.
India won the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026.
India won the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30, 2026.
The West Indies won the third ODI in New Chandigarh on October 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The West Indies are currently struggling to regain the dominance associated with their 2016 ICC trophy victory. This series result against India highlights the competitive gap the team must overcome to return to the international elite.
The West Indies' 2-1 series loss indicates a continuing struggle to find consistency against top-tier opponents like India. Readers can track the development of the Under-15 to Under-19 squads as the primary indicator for future senior-level success.
The takeaway
Sustainable success in international cricket requires a deliberate strategy that aligns financial backing with youth development. Consistent results will likely remain elusive until the gap between grassroots talent and the professional senior level is closed.
Further reading
For more analysis on professional sports development, visit the Golf section.
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Do you believe funding grassroots programs is the best way to improve national sports team success?
