The more things change, the more they stay the same.That old adage might be applicable at Bermuda Cricket Board.This week’s elections were a clear case of deja vu.For some reason better known to themselves, the clubs voted in the old guard with Lloyd Fray taking over the presidency and Allen Richardson remaining as vice-president.As Fray had previously held down the position of second-vice president, why didn’t both he and Richardson, two of the BCB’s top executives, play their part in reversing cricket’s decline when they had ample chance to do so over the past few years?After all, next to president Reggie Pearman they were the Board’s leaders.It has bemused former national team player Clay Smith who didn’t garner a single vote at Tuesday evening’s AGM, not even one from the club that nominated him, St. George’s.How’s that for a stab in the back from a club with whom he and his entire family have served for decades. The East End club should be suitably embarrassed.And it may have bemused those who follow the sport but have no influence on BCB policy.Admittedly, Clay doesn’t have the administrative background of neither Fray nor Richardson but he would have brought along fresh ideas on how to revive the sport.As seasoned administrators, Fray and Richardson had their opportunity and didn’t take it. They’ve been given a second roll of the dice. But why should we expect them to change their tune?Cricket desperately needs new blood at all levels. It’s not getting it.What we’re getting is the same old.Maybe the BCB’s new number one and two will silence their critics, but the prognosis isn’t good.That said, while the executive are in some way culpable for the national team’s appalling record since the World Cup more than four years ago, it’s not they but the players who ultimately control the game’s destiny.If they aren’t prepared to serve their country with pride then we’ll continue to tumble down the slippery slope which has led to a humiliating place in Division Three of the World Cricket League. Not that there’s much further to tumble.While many players have shown commitment and enthusiasm, too many haven’t.Overseas tours have been treated by some as all-expenses paid vacations.It only takes only two or three to dent morale.What Fray and company haven’t done in previous years is to get rid of the dead wood and provide the inspiration required.Maybe that’s easier said than done. Bermuda possesses a limited pool of talent worthy of national team representation.And that pool isn’t getting any deeper.Fray has predicted he can entice more corporate sponsors who will give the game a much needed financial injection.But even when Government promised to pump $11 million into the sport and the world’s governing body, the ICC, threw hundreds of thousands more, nothing really changed.In fact, it got worse.All that globetrotting to take on other Associate countries reaped little reward in terms of results.Why now would more money make any difference?Little has changed since David Moore replaced Gus Logie as national coach. If anything, it’s further deteriorated.Few would doubt Moore’s coaching ability but he has been confronted with same players’ indifference.Will he stay much longer? That question could be answered sooner rather than later once Fray gets into his stride, particularly if the money he wants isn’t forthcoming. The wage bill is already stretched to the limit. That was shown by the axing of long serving employee Samantha Dill.Regardless of all of the above, a very slightly revamped executive and cash crisis, the bottom line is cricket won’t alter unless the players want it to.As a leading player himself, indeed one of the best Bermuda has ever produced, Smith could have been the one to motivate them.Let’s see if Fray and Richardson can do the same.ADRIAN ROBSON