Former Barbados and West Indies cricketer Ryan Hinds says cricket changed his life for the better, and has suggested that sports be used to allow others to make a positive contribution to society.Hinds, who played first-class and international cricket between 1998 and 2014, said that with concerns about some youth heading in the wrong direction, sports should now be used more as a life-changer.  “Cricket changed my life, by providing opportunities for me from an early age as a member of the Barbados Under-19 cricket team, the Barbados senior team, and the West Indies Under-19 team and created a path for me to make a contribution to the society as a cricketer and a coach. Some young people may not be strong academically, but are talented in a particular sport, if they are guided properly and allowed to develop their talent, they can make a significant contribution to society.  The society must acknowledge the role sports can play in the life of young people, especially at this time where there are concerns that some of our youth are heading down the wrong path,” the former Barbados captain told Barbados TODAY.