What Next? Where does West Indies’ youth development go from here?

We can expect to hear it a little more often following the U19’s relatively successful World Cup tournament. The youngsters powered their way into the Super 6 stage and finished fourth in Group 1, posting impressive victories over Tanzania, South Africa, and Ireland along the way. Even their defeat to Australia at the Super 6 stage showed promise, as they nearly chased down 315 to win.

Commentators and media figures alike waxed lyrical about the likes of Zachary Carter, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, and Jakeem Pollard. Their commendations were deserved, but now the dust has settled, the important question is: What next? 

For too long, fans have been demanding that a reliable bridge be built between the U19 level, where West Indian talent is plentiful, and the senior level, where many of the bright sparks have, in many cases, long since faded away.