Former West Indies captain Jason Holder has claimed that England tours have always been paramount for the survival of West Indies Cricket. In a recent media appearance, he said that England’s upcoming white-ball tour is crucial to the Caribbean. “It is a massive boost to their survival as an international team,” says Holder, who feels this continued relationship helps the West Indies Cricket Board recover financially, finally. Holder reflected on England’s contribution to WI cricket, especially during the 2020 tour when the country faced a tough summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was that pandemic-disrupted summer when West Indies played three Tests in England under the strict bio-secure protocols and lockdown to help reduce what could easily have become a catastrophic financial blow for ECB, which potentially stood to lose over £380 million. Former ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison averred that West Indies’s tour “kept the lights on” for English cricket since each Test mattered a lot to fulfil commitments with broadcast rights, especially in Sky Sports.
England tours for survival of West Indies Cricket: West Indies ex-white-ball skipper reveals CWI’s biggest revenue generators
Reflecting on the tour, Holder said the economic as well as sporting advantages clearly were with West Indies; England and India are indeed the board’s biggest dollar-generating visitors, packing the stadiums across the Caribbean. He welcomed the excitement that the English fans have brought into the stadium but said their frequent visits help keep the game alive here.
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“I think it’s a fair way of putting it,” Holder told ESPNcricinfo, ahead of an eight-match tour that will be shown on TNT Sports in the UK. “We’ve obviously had the English coming over for the last three years consecutively. And that (England tours) has definitely boosted, not only our economy within the Caribbean, but it adds a massive boost to survival of West Indies cricket internationally.
“We rely heavily on series between England and India, our revenues tend to come from those two teams. It’s our biggest series within any calendar year, and, yeah, it’s one that really brings the fans down to the Caribbean and creates a really fun atmosphere.
“So, it’s great to have them and to see the fans packing the stadiums as well. There’s always a good banter between the West Indian public and the English public. So we’re thankful that we’ve been able to have them so many times in as many years. And long may it continue.”
Holder said that both teams are in transition periods themselves, and therefore each team will be keen on making the most of this tour. He said that there is fresh talent coming into both teams, so “both teams have points to prove.” He also mentioned 17-year-old Jewel Andrew as one of the bright stars in the West Indies’ lineup; his recent ODI debut has been well-received along with performances in the Under-19 World Cup.
Holder puts confidence in West Indies’ young guns
Even with Holder injured, and not playing the upcoming test series and tour; the cricketing stalwart feels elated in getting young guns of West Indies for experience in the International game as that was the tour objective to groom those young cricketers.
“The first time I saw him was when I played against him, quite recently, in the CPL,” Holder said. “He definitely stood up. He looks a very easy-going player. He’s got time, and any top-order batter who shows signs of having time is promising.
“It’s important for him to learn and work hard, but the sky’s the limit for him. He’s scored runs at the levels below, and he’s coming in with some confidence. We all remember when we first came into international cricket, when we had that freedom to express yourself. And the more he expresses himself and gains knowledge and confidence, that will put us in good stead in years to come.
“We’ve never been short of talent,” Holder added. “It’s just a matter of harnessing the talent and making sure that we make full use of it. There’s no doubt that he’s one for the future, and I hope that West Indies put things in place to keep him in and around the system, and make sure he develops a steady rate so that we can utilise him in years to come.”
For future series Holder sees West Indies can deliver in full measure; particularly so considering the key roles from likely prominent players like Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer.
Jason Holder speaks on his retirement
Holder, 32, at the same time also showed his commitment to West Indies cricket, vowing he will be present in most of the future games, among them the World Cup edition of 2027. The country will welcome the world, with both teams facing dynamic battles in their Caribbean conditions with the involvement of the wind factor while testing their strategies.
“I haven’t retired, that is still a long way off,” he said, with an eye on the next 50-over World Cup in 2027. “We’ve still got a few more series to play before then. So I’m just working myself back to full fitness, to get back on the field and be able to play at full capacity.”
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