The decisive victory of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 elections has introduced potential administrative complications for Cricket West Indies (CWI). The NDP secured a commanding 14-1 parliamentary majority over Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ Saint Vincent Labour Party on November 27.
Among the elected NDP representatives is Dr. Kishore Shallow, the currently serving president of CWI. As a prominent figure within Prime Minister-elect Dr. Godwin Friday’s victorious administration, Dr. Shallow is anticipated to assume representation for North Leeward constituency and potentially receive appointment to a senior ministerial portfolio. This development creates an unprecedented scenario for Caribbean cricket governance.
The CWI constitutional framework lacks explicit provisions addressing such circumstances, despite historical precedents involving political figures. Former West Indies Cricket Board president Julian Hunte of Saint Lucia abstained from elective politics during his tenure, while Trinidadian executive Ken Gordon received senatorial appointment only after concluding his presidential term.
Should Dr. Shallow determine that his governmental responsibilities necessitate resignation from cricket leadership, CWI’s first vice-president Azim Bassarath of Trinidad and Tobago would presumably assume acting presidential duties. This interim arrangement would persist until the regional cricket governing body conducts formal elections to determine permanent leadership.
Concurrently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently reinforced regulations concerning political interference in cricket administration. During the 2025 full council meeting in Hong Kong, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgath emphasized that these reforms align cricket governance with global sporting standards, citing concerns about governmental agencies influencing member boards’ affairs.
This regulatory context underscores the significance of Dr. Shallow’s impending decision regarding his dual roles. The CWI executive and directors are advised to thoroughly examine ICC statutes, particularly as board representation was present during the Hong Kong deliberations that established these governance protocols.