West Indies cricket 'near breaking point' - Richards

Viv Richards: 'It is coming near breaking point. The West Indies must think seriously - what is most important' © Getty Images

Sir Viv Richards fears cricket in the Caribbean is near to "breaking point" and is anxious of a total collapse through petty, internal politics that continue to blight West Indies.

"When I was representing my country I was prepared to battle," Richards told BBC Radio Five Live. "That is how serious we took our sporting profession and that is missing now. When I was involved before, I was criticised for being too hard. I came upon one of the hardest men to ever play cricket in Brian Close when I was at Somerset.

"I learned a lot [from Close] and there are things the boss or individual in charge has to say. If guys in the workplace are not up to scratch, it is your job to say they are not up to scratch and suggest things they can do to improve.

"But it is coming near breaking point. The West Indies must think seriously - what is most important? Is it the people with their personal political agendas or the majority of the people who are the supporters of West Indies cricket?"

West Indies' woes during this tour haven't courted as much criticism as in previous years, perhaps further emphasising their struggle. Such is their plight, commentators are more concerned than they are angry; concerned that this side, one of the weakest West Indian touring parties, is beneath the required standard to compete at Test level.

There is one man who, Richards believes, shows the courage and passion - not to mention skill - required to compete: Dwayne Bravo.

"When you look and see the way Bravo enjoys his cricket, he could have been part of the 1970s and 1980s," Richards said. "I hope he realises the job he is faced with in the future in helping us enjoy the game. West Indies cricket is all about enjoying and having fun and at the end being very successful doing it."