Cricket, like any other sport, says a great deal about the people who play it. It is more than a game. For the people of the West Indies – even with the region’s changing cultural environments – cricket remains very dear, touching our inner lives and disclosing just who we are as a people.

 If we were tempted to lose sight of this fact, the just concluded 2007 World Cup, beginning with the opening ceremony in Jamaica that gave rise to petty criticisms that the event was too Jamaican, should have given us a truer perspective.

Brian Lara, too, is much more than a cricketer. His surprise retirement both from one-day and test cricket two Saturdays ago continues to be source of emotive discussions throughout the Caribbean.

Lara who celebrates his 38th birthday on Wednesday is more than the star batsman who has broken several records and entertained at the wicket, although he seems quite happy to be remembered only as a West Indian cricketer who entertained.

It is also important to see cricket as gift and to recognise the gift that Lara is to the West Indies through the medium of cricket. In the same way that he has influenced the game, the game has had its influence on him, doubtlessly helping him to mature.

Read Viewpoint - Lara's legacy

We can admire his discipline today because of the many long hours he spent learning the art of the game and mastering it. Those who have had the privilege of seeing him bat when at his best speak of his ability to direct his shots with surgical precision through the best set field, but many have also commented about his honourable actions on the field of play. He is not wont to question the umpire’s decision.

Sound formation of youth

Lara himself has spoken recently of his ability to pick himself up when he has felt down – to focus on the next opportunity. He credits to a large extent the example of his parents for this resilience but the game itself must have been teacher.

His remarks also seemed to say something of the many challenging circumstances he has had to endure as a player and as captain of the West Indies team, and the fickle nature of the crowds that have followed him at home and abroad. But then, cricket is about life and players must consent “to become puppets for a time” (Marshall McLuhan).

The World Cup – with the puzzling death of Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer at the start of the series, the dismal display of the West Indies team for most of the tournament, its prohibitions and inflated prices – will not be remembered with much fondness by fans throughout the Caribbean.

Lara’s departure from international cricket at this time has easily eclipsed the historic series by his sheer stature, even with a far-from-scintillating batting performance.

There is much to be admired in Lara; many lessons that he can communicate to the youth – not just of Trinidad and Tobago but young people everywhere. Our education system and responsible media must find ways of disseminating those messages which can contribute positively to the sound formation of our youth.

Traditional mass media do not easily see themselves as called to impart those lessons, but the present social climate suggests that such a perspective is necessary.