PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Former West Indies cricketer Deryck Murray has called on Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr Kishore Shallow and the entire board to step down.

Speaking on the Mason and Guest radio programme on Tuesday, the 82-year-old Murray contended that Shallow, who was recently appointed as Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs in St Vincent and the Grenadines, could not hold both positions.

Murray, a wicketkeeper who played 62 Tests and 16 One Day Internationals for the West Indies between 1963 and 1980, has maintained that it is not feasible for Shallow to continue as CWI president.

“To have the president of Cricket West Indies and a functioning minister of Government, especially one who has two portfolios, he cannot do that job.

“So, therefore, you need to appeal to him that in leaving he must work with the president of the Caricom Sub-Committee and take the board with him,” Murray said.

“The personnel of the board at the moment has to remove itself peacefully, amicably, and to allow a change to take place,” he said.

His comments have come following a decision by Shallow to continue in the role until his current term comes to an end in 2028.

While Shallow revealed he will not seek re-election, he said he had spoken with CWI’s directors along with officials from the sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and had been given the green light to continue as president while holding his ministerial portfolio.

In giving his reasons for not stepping down, Shallow said he wanted to complete the reforms which were needed to improve the state of West Indies cricket both on and off the field.

“…I know that some of you may be concerned about my recent appointment to Cabinet and what it may mean for my continued service as president of CWI. Let me be up front and transparent with you as I’ve always been,” Shallow said in the pre-recorded statement earlier this month. “Admittedly, I have thought long and hard about this. My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion. It is for this reason that I will conclude my current term, but with the intention not to seek re-election.

“While the journey has not been without its challenges, and we have not achieved every goal, we have made significant and measurable progress… My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion,” he added.