Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow has dismissed suggestions that serving simultaneously as a Cabinet Minister and head of the regional cricket body is untenable, insisting that he remains fully capable of managing both responsibilities.

His position comes after days of speculation regarding his future in regional cricket administration, following his recent appointment as St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs. Dr. Shallow secured the Cabinet post after winning the North Leeward seat in the November 28 general elections as a candidate for the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Questions had swirled over whether he would be forced to step down as CWI president, having been elected unopposed to a new three-year term at the May 29, 2025 Annual General Meeting. But in a statement released on the CWI YouTube channel, Dr. Shallow confirmed that he will see out the remainder of his term — though he will not seek re-election.

“I know that some of you may be concerned about my recent appointment to Cabinet and what it may mean for my continued service as president of Cricket West Indies,” he said. “Admittedly, I have thought long and hard about this. My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion. It is for this reason that I will conclude my current term but with the intention not to seek re-election.”

Dr. Shallow, 41, also pushed back against the notion that his dual roles were without precedent or created a conflict of interest. He noted that within the global cricket community, it is not uncommon for administrators to simultaneously hold political office.

“It may seem slightly uncommon in our region, even though it has happened in other sports before,” he said. “However, it is not unusual globally. Several of my colleagues at the ICC currently serve or have served as ministers and members of parliament. We have therefore conducted comprehensive due diligence to ensure all legal and ethical standards are fully met.”

He added that there is no conflict of interest, and expressed confidence that he can effectively manage both portfolios with the support of the CWI board and leadership.

Dr. Shallow further suggested that his new role in government could help foster stronger ties between Caribbean administrations and Cricket West Indies — something regional leaders have long called for.

“Over the years, governments in our region have been calling for a greater level of engagement with Cricket West Indies,” he said. “It is fair to say that this may very well be an avenue for collaboration and involvement without being invasive.”