There are many who will criticise our West Indies star cricketers, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard for not signing retainer contracts with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), but I am afraid I am in complete agreement with their decision. By not signing retainers, these athletes allow themselves the flexibility to govern their own movements, applying their ability where they see it fit. I believe these athletes have made a calculated decision based on the circumstances currently surrounding WI cricket but I also think that this decision can carry positive by-products if we can look at it through different eyes. "They only interested in money"–the likely first conclusion people will jump to as the main reason the trio opted not to accept retainer contracts. I tend to look at it more logically–"make more money now while they are still high value athletes."
Unlike most other careers, the lifespan of a professional athlete ends in their 30s. Most people work until the age of 60 with the option to work longer. However, the physical ability to perform at optimal levels depletes as a person ages, making way for younger, upcoming talent. Any sensible person would maximise their earning ability the same way. An athlete's career can come to a screeching halt in a split second. One injury and in an instant an athlete's career can be terminated. When an athlete suffers an injury they usually go through five psychological stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages actually mirror K�bler-Ross's classic model of reactions to death and dying–so extreme is the psychological effect of an injury on an athlete regardless of whether it is career ending.
It is a rude awakening to the unpredictable and fragile nature of this career path; thus, athletes aim to maximise their earning potential while they are able to. It is no secret that the WICB has been trying for several years to get their house in order and perhaps one day they will but in the mean time, athletes should not be expected to fall victim to the consequences of their poor management. These athletes have invested everything they are into being outstanding athletes. They have a right to secure their futures with this investment, the same way others do with their university degrees. To whom much is given, much is expected and the teams that contract these athletes will be doing everything to ensure that their investment (ie athlete) is fit, healthy and technically sound in their execution on the field. These athletes will be held to legally binding contractual agreements detailing what will be expected of them in exchange for their payment.
The level of training and professionalism that these athletes will be exposed to will continue to groom them while the WICB tries to revive the WI cricket brand. In essence, the athletes have opted equally to secure their income level while challenging themselves to more rigorous demands in order to realise their full potential. All egos aside, there is the potential for positive spin-off effects from the rejection. For one thing, it will encourage the WICB to continue their quest for the ideal structure with which to manage their athletes. This charade has gone on long enough. It's time to find a solution and I hope the plans for this season's $41 million proves fruitful. As for the clich� comment, "Where is their patriotism?" consider that patriotism can be expressed in many ways.
Brian Lara was the first WI cricketer, able to reap the financial benefits of international stardom and with it he has started and/or supported numerous charities and opened a cancer treatment centre. The current generation of cricket stars–Gayle, Bravo and Pollard–all show the same sort of social responsibility and commitment to helping those less fortunate. Just this past weekend Gayle held a Pro 15/15 cricket tournament in St Ann, Jamaica, to raise funds for the Heart Foundation of Jamaica. It was supported by the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt, performing artiste Beenie Man along with our own Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard. With the money they are making, they are giving back to the community–that is patriotism! The words "loyalty" and "national duty" are conveniently used too often in our sports industry, maybe even abused. Our athletes sacrifice a tremendous amount to be able to eventually rank themselves amongst the best in the world.
What Australians are routinely provided with, our athletes would never see. Our guys have worked hard to get to where they are and I feel no betrayal by them for not signing their retainer contracts this time around. I am confident they will avail themselves to the team as often as they can, especially when it matters most, bringing their fitness, knowledge and experience with them. I truly believe that in the end they love "cricket" more than they love the money but there comes a point where a balance must be struck. This is a new way of doing things, for sure, and it might turn out to be a good thing, at least, for now.