"Leagues similar to the IPL (Indian Premier League) and ICL (Indian Cricket League) will not only bring young talented players in the national team but will also make their basics clear," Lloyd said here yesterday.

"The standard of domestic cricket is poor in the Caribbean and hence there is a need to bring in leagues like these. They would not only improve the standard of the game, but will also help players become experienced at a young age."

The IPL and the ICL, both multimillion-dollar tournaments, have emerged as the symbols of the world Twenty20 boom in recent years. Paying extravagant salaries and huge winning purses, both tournaments have attracted cricketers from most Test-playing nations, including the West Indies.

The Stanford Twenty20 series, hosted in Antigua and contested by several Caribbean countries, has provided the region with its only taste of professional cricket.

Bankrolled by Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford, the tournament was launched in 2006 and the second edition was played earlier this year, involving 20 teams. The winners took home US$1 million.

Lloyd, who marshalled the Windies to World Cup triumphs in 1975 and 1979, said the recent Stanford Super Series had been important for the Caribbean.

"Apart from the money, players will gain experience with the right people to guide them from Stanford Twenty20 Super Series," he noted.

Lloyd said he believed the regional team's fortunes would soon turn around.

"The team has not won any major trophy for a long time and lacks consistency. But I am sure they will be back in form and will bring the [World] Cup home in the Caribbean soon," he said. (CMC)