Windies players in demand

Three Bajans, including recently installed Barbados T20 captain Dwayne Smith, are among seven Windies players that have been chosen to play in the lucrative Bangladesh Premier League following yesterday’s drama-filled auction.

Pacers Tino Best and Fidel Edwards, both bought at US$75 000, were bracketed in the golden category, while Smith (US$70 000) was picked up in the “A” category.

But they won’t be joined by hard-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who was one of nine foreign cricketers – including English players Michael Lumb, James Taylor and Ed Young – to withdraw from the auction amidst concerns over player payments and issues surrounding the contract between organizers and the six franchises.

Best might also miss the T20 league that is slated to start January 18 if it presents a clash with West Indies’ upcoming tour to Australia.

“I am very happy and quite honoured that people have sought out my services, but West Indies cricket always comes first,” said Best in a telephone interview with WEEKENDSPORT.