KINGSTON, Jamaica—Former West Indies captain and recipient of the Order of Distinction, Rovman Powell, is urging a fundamental shift in how cricket is promoted in the Caribbean. According to the Jamaican cricketer, the sport must be "repackaged" and sold as a viable business and career path to attract the region's top young talent.
Speaking recently, Powell drew a parallel between cricket and traditional, highly regarded professions. "We have to start selling it as a business and as a proper career path, just like when we were growing up — how distinguished it was to be a doctor, lawyer," he said.
Powell, who grew up from humble beginnings and was honoured with a national award on Heroes Day, is a living example of cricket's potential to uplift families. "I think we have to start to sell cricket as a business, showing kids that cricket is definitely a career path, showing the kids that there are so many guys who, through cricket, have taken their families out of poverty," he explained.
He added that the sport is no longer just a "long drawn-out" passion but a proper business that offers life-changing opportunities for players who achieve excellence.
From Humble Beginnings to National Honour
Powell's own story is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and ambition. He rose from his modest upbringing to become a key player on the regional and international stages, even captaining the West Indies T20 side and leading the team's rise in global rankings.
His journey, which he credits partly to his mother's sacrifices and his grandfather's guidance, is the very narrative he believes should be used to inspire the next generation of West Indian cricketers. By highlighting these success stories, Powell hopes to prove that sports can be a legitimate and powerful means of escaping poverty.
"I’ve been fortunate enough to help my family and help people around me, so I think we have to start selling not only cricket, but sports, as a means of taking your family out of poverty also," he stated.
The Path Forward
Powell's message comes amid ongoing challenges for West Indies cricket, including financial issues and concerns over infrastructure and player development. His call to action aligns with the broader conversation about revitalizing the sport by focusing on its commercial potential and its social impact. His own experience and success serve as a powerful model for the next generation of Caribbean athletes to follow.
