Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Daren Sammy Addresses West Indies Pay Cut After ODI Loss
West Indies cricket is having financial problems, so its players are expected to receive 25% less in retainer pay.
Daren Sammy said this was difficult news to hear before a series.
He also said the organization needs to find a way to stay financially healthy.
On the field, West Indies had already lost the ODI series to India.
Sammy thought his team could have scored around 450 runs in the second match.
Instead, they slowed down near the end and finished on 405.
Their bowlers then struggled to take early wickets or control the Indian batters.
Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma scored heavily and helped India chase the target.
Sammy said West Indies must bowl more accurately and consistently in the final ODI.
West Indies players are set to face a 25% retainer-fee cut as Cricket West Indies seeks to manage financial difficulties.
Head coach Daren Sammy said the pay-cut news was unwelcome but acknowledged the board must find ways to keep the organization financially viable.
Sammy said West Indies bowlers need greater discipline in their lines, lengths, and plans when pitches provide little assistance.
He believed West Indies could have scored about 450 after reaching roughly 230 at 30 overs, but managed only about 70 runs in the final 10 overs.
India chased 406 after Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma shared a 255-run opening stand, leaving West Indies unable to defend 405.
- Who
- West Indies head coach Daren Sammy, Cricket West Indies, and the West Indies and India cricket teams.
- What
- Sammy discussed a planned 25% West Indies player pay cut and the team’s bowling and batting shortcomings after losing the ODI series to India.
- When
- The comments were made before the third and final ODI, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026.
- Where
- The series was being played in India; the second ODI took place in Guwahati, and the third ODI was scheduled for Mullanpur.
- Why
- Cricket West Indies is facing financial difficulties, while Sammy said the team must improve its bowling discipline and late-innings acceleration.
- Player pay cut
- West Indies players are set to receive 25% lower retainer fees.
- Financial reason
- Cricket West Indies said financial challenges require measures to stay afloat.
- Series result
- India had already won the three-match ODI series after the second match.
- West Indies total
- West Indies scored 405 for seven in the second ODI.
- India chase
- India chased a target of 406 in 43.3 overs.
- Opening partnership
- Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma made a 255-run opening stand.
- Sammy’s target estimate
- Sammy said West Indies could have reached about 450 after scoring roughly 230 at 30 overs.