West Indies batting legend Brian Lara reckons missing an important competition such as ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was a huge setback to West Indies cricket in more than one way. The legendary cricketer - who has scored the most runs for the West Indies in the ODI World Cup history (1225 between 1992 and 2007) - hopes the Men in Maroon - who failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup in India - will redeem themselves by winning the next ICC event. Andre Russell Tunes Into Team India Games Only To Watch Rinku Singh Bat West Indies failed to get a direct ODI World Cup qualification as they failed to finish amongst the top eight in the ODI Rankings. The team had to play the ICC ODI World Cup 2024 Qualifiers in Zimbabwe where Sri Lanka and Netherlands pipped them to book the ticket for the ten-team showpiece. The next global cricket showpiece will be the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June, which is scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA.

Lara - who is fondly called the Prince of Port of Spain - had a brief conversation with MyKhel, on the sidelines of a golf event in Haryana, where he discussed West Indies Cricket and India  loss at the ODI World Cup 2023. When asked how big it was a blow for West Indies for failing to make it to the 2023 World Cup held in India, the 54-year-old said, Missing any World Cup is a massive setback, it as simple as that. The West Indies not making it to the World Cup is obviously very disappointing. So obviously, its very disappointing not just for the players but for the public as well and maybe even financially. Explained: Why Ashish Nehra Refused To Take Up Team India Head Coach Job Lara hopes West Indies, who are going to be the co-hosts of the showpiece event, will redeem themselves by winning the tournament. This (T20) World Cup now in 2024, will be played on our home turf and hopefully, we can justify being there by actually going on to win the World Cup. We didnt make it to the 50-over World Cup it a bit disappointing, he added further.

Asked about the performance of India and Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023, the legendary left- handed batter lauded both finalists. Speaking about the new World Champions Australia, he said, Obviously, the World Cup was dominated by India but you know when it comes to the knockout stages, everyone throws everything on the line. India vs Australia Playing 11, 4th T20I: IND vs AUS Probable Lineup, Team News And with the Australians, we know that these guys are always going to put up a fight. I think having a couple of failures in the preliminary stages sort of made them tougher and helped them make improvements in certain areas." Commending Rohit Sharma-led Indian side for their stellar show in the competition and their dominant show, Lara said, "Whilst the Indian team, they were so dominant, you expect, you know there going to be a bad game. You were hoping that it was in the preliminary rounds where they could fix that and come back stronger, but credit must be given to Team India for the way they played.

I think the way they handled the defeat as well (was commendable). They obviously went into the final as favourites, but at the end of the day, it wasnt there. It wasn t their World Cup. It Australia, so next time.Asked if there is a dip in the interest in the youth in the Caribbean towards the GentlemenGame as youngsters are doing exceedingly well in athletics but the same couldnt be said about cricket, Lara admitted that cricket talent hasnt been harnessed the way it should have in the West Indies. Athletics has always been around in the West Indies (and the youth has always looked to do well). But when it comes to cricket, I think we havent been able to harness the talent that we have in the right way and if we start doing that, you are going to see the results,he signed off. Its game time - play now!

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)