Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow has announced he will complete his current term but will not seek re-election, citing his recent appointment as a Minister of Government in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The announcement comes as the regional cricket body continues major governance reforms and celebrates a gritty West Indies performance in the drawn Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.
In a regional address, Dr. Shallow reaffirmed his commitment to finishing the reforms that have reshaped CWI’s governance structure, even as he transitions into a new chapter of national public service.
Shallow confirmed that comprehensive due diligence has been conducted to ensure his ministerial appointment poses no legal or ethical conflict with his duties at CWI. While acknowledging that serving simultaneously as a Minister and CWI President may be “uncommon in the region,” he emphasized that it is far from unusual globally. “Several of my colleagues at the International Cricket Council currently serve or have served as ministers or Members of Parliament,” he noted, adding that the presidency is not a salaried or full-time job and CWI’s daily operations remain under the management of CEO Chris Dehring and more than 50 full-time staff.
Shallow said the decision to finish the term while declining a bid for re-election was driven by a desire to complete ongoing governance reforms. “We have implemented more than 70% of the Webby Report recommendations,” he stated, describing the progress as “significant and measurable,” with additional reforms planned during the remainder of his tenure.
He highlighted advancements in the women’s cricket programme toward pay parity, a modernized memorandum of understanding with the West Indies Players’ Association that strengthens player compensation, the launch of the Breakout League with CPL to create opportunities for emerging players, and the successful hosting of one of the most memorable Cricket World Cups in the region’s history. Despite these successes, Shallow was frank about concerns surrounding on-field performance: “I am not satisfied with the performance of our teams, and the Board shares this concern… There are many factors involved in ensuring consistency on the field.”
Shallow also used the moment to congratulate the West Indies Test squad after a resilient showing against New Zealand. He praised Captain Ruston Trace for his leadership, Justin Graves for a remarkable double century, Keemar Roach for his enduring spirit, and Shai Hope for a pivotal 140 that anchored the team’s draw in Christchurch.
The president expressed gratitude for the outpouring of congratulations following his election to Parliament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and his subsequent Cabinet appointment. “I have been humbled by calls and messages from regional and international leaders, colleagues across the public service, and from staff and players of West Indies Cricket,” he said.
Shallow addressed what he described as a small but vocal group attempting to sow division following news of his dual roles. “I urge all of us not to be drawn into the voices of a small few,” he said. “This moment calls for collective purpose, steady focus, and confidence in our shared future.”
As he prepares to guide West Indies cricket through the remainder of the reform process, Shallow reaffirmed a singular message: Cricket in the Caribbean is a shared responsibility and unity remains essential.
