WI Star's Warning: 'More Players Will Choose Leagues Over Their Countries'

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-09-07 11:49:14 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-07 14:48:54

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Jason Holder, the West Indian veteran has warned that more players from the Caribbean will choose domestic T20 leagues over their own international careers in years to come. Holder's warning comes after the recent decision of batsman Nicholas Pooran and wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen to skip their country's limited-overs tour of the Netherlands and Ireland and instead play in the Indian Premier League (`IPL`).

"More players will start choosing leagues over their countries if they offer security around a certain timeframe when they can play in these leagues and earn a good living," Holder said.

According to Holder, West Indian players have lacked stability and sufficient earnings until now, which has led them to prioritize league cricket over playing for their country.

"We've had situations in the past where a guy might have a great season and finish as the leading run-scorer in a particular tournament, but he might not be selected for the next year, and he might lose his place," Holder explained.

Holder said that Pooran and Klaasen's decision to play in the `IPL` instead of the Netherlands and Ireland tour was a "selfish" move, but one that is "understandable" given the insufficient earnings from West Indies cricket.

"If you're in a position where you can look out for yourself and your future, and you see a glaring opportunity that can help your career and your earnings from cricket, then you would probably take it," he added.

This trend is potentially problematic for the West Indies, whose already limited player pool has been further constrained by retirements in recent years.

For instance, Pooran and Klaasen are two key players who would have been useful in the upcoming series against the Netherlands and Ireland.

Their absence through prioritization of `IPL` over national duties may be a concerning precedent.

It remains to be seen whether other West Indian players will follow suit and choose league matches over international matches, thereby setting a new norm that could adversely impact the West Indies team.

Regardless of the implications, Holder's words highlight a shifting mindset within the West Indies player community.

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