SUCCESSES on the field toward the back end of 2022 tapered over much of the deficiencies plaguing Jamaica’s cricket.

Challenges related to the novel coronavirus pandemic aside, critics of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) noted the continued lack of grass roots development, which they argue leaves the nation’s player pool thin on quantity and quality.

There is the contention that the JCA should be more actively engaged in supporting schools’ cricket and academy programmes across the country.

And even with the local cricket administration — presided over by Wilford “Billy” Heaven — identifying financial constraints as a major obstacle, some observers have countered that marketing of the sport remains a massive sore point.

With all the talk of player development, and the lack thereof, the most glaring impact has been reflected in the results from the regional four-day tournament, which is the main platform for players vying for selection to the West Indies Test team.

Jamaica, once mighty contenders in four-day cricket, have not won the regional first class title in over a decade. Poor batting has been the biggest weakness, with players’ technical flaws being embarrassingly exposed.

Last season the Jamaica team endured more sub-par results as Barbados Pride soared to back-to-back titles.

For Jamaica cricket fans, some respite came in the shorter formats.

In September, Jamaica Tallawahs, expertly guided by Captain Rovman Powell, defied the odds to lift the Caribbean Premier League title for the third time. Brandon King was superb with the bat and was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Another of Jamaica’s franchise teams, the Scorpions, provided another stunner to capture the Regional Super50 Cup in November. Powell again displayed strong leadership qualities.

There were other positives in 2022.

After the lengthy spell of inactivity due to restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19, the JCA was eventually given the all-clear to host local cricket competitions.

Jamaica Defence Force won the 50-over title while the St Elizabeth team lifted the Twenty20 crown.

Also last year, Jamaica hosted a Dream 11 T10 (10-over-per-side) cricket tournament which was won by Surrey Royals.

For all stakeholders, especially players, 2022 no doubt represented a momentous return to competitive local cricket.

But a comment from St Mary cricket captain and former West Indies youth standout Andre Creary left one of the lasting memories.

“I believe that we, as a cricketing country, need to be nurturing the players with such abilities better. I think players have way more to offer to the sport but, due to the lack of support and resources, we are underperforming,” he told the Jamaica Observer last summer.

— Sanjay Myers