Permit me an unlearned woman who can be called 'a used-to-be West Indies fan' to voice my opinion. Whilst I will not pretend to know all the details with regard to the operations of the West Indies team and the West Indies Cricket Board, I must say I hate the situation that both parties are in. As far as I am concerned the board is a make-up of a set of power-hungry men and the team is a set of under-performing men.

While I know that the players are professionals and ought to be paid, they must realise that West Indies cricket is an institution in itself and is, therefore, more than just a job. I'm 38 and have been listening and following West Indies cricket over many years, and my heart hurts at the attitude of some of these so-called professionals. Their attitude lacks professionalism and one other important ingredient - regional pride.

Laughing stock

As is often said, it is not a matter of losing, but how you lose. The West Indies team has been losing badly over the last decade or so and has become the laughing stock of the cricketing world. They have ultimately lost ground in my eyes.

I know they need money because they are professionals but I need to ask Gayle et al and those supporting what has happened to uphold the pride of place that West Indies team once had as a region where the side was more important than money. If money was all, many of us who work would be on strike too because we are not being paid properly.

As far as I am concerned, there should be no more West Indies team until we can get players with regional pride, love of the game, talent, determination and knowledge of the history of the West Indies cricket which was played by great players who hardly got more than a stipend.

I know and agree that money is important, but for West Indies it should not be all about money.

I am, etc.,

CHLOE DYER

Chloe.dier@yahoo.com