Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) for ensuring the cricketers in the Caribbean are able to safeguard their futures financially. Bishop touched upon how players not as well taken care of by the previous Cricket West Indies (CWI) regime have been given their due by various franchises in the cash-rich T20 league. 

Much is made of the fact that Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo & co turned their backs on West Indies cricket in their best years and became T20 freelancers. But Bishop thinks there was a need to manage these players better, which the administrators in the region failed to do. 

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"In the West Indies initially, there was a bad effect on the game since the administrators did not know the value of T20 cricket and the ability of a player as a sole contractor where they had to choose when they wanted to play. We did not handle that well. We lost a few significant players from West Indies cricket for a period of time I wish did not happen," he told ex Zimbabwe pacer Pommie Mbangwa in a candid chat. 

While there is definitely a change in attitude, with the new West Indies board showing greater understanding of the players' needs and trying to welcome them back into the fold, this period of transition has taken a lot of time, said Bishop, who pointed out how West Indies has lost many players because of the off-field differences that existed. 

"And it’s only now when we see England allowing their players to go and play in the IPL. The West Indies have taken a different view now under their leadership that they need to allow their players to earn their living but when they were available, we will have a compromise. But we have missed so many important players. I think it’s set back West Indies cricket a little bit."

Having said that, Bishop did add it "pleases me no end" to see the IPL filling up a substantial gap in the earnings of the Caribbean players. 

"But I’m never going to be envious of what a player is now able to earn and secure his financial future. I have seen the Bravos, the Pollards, and the Narines. While they have not played for the West Indies as much, which is something I wish would not have happened. But I am happy to see these young guys having such security for their future and family. It pleases me no end," he concluded. 

(Inputs from Cricket Addictor)