Veteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul is adamant that he will not retire from cricket even as he failed to get the nod from the West Indies selectors for the upcoming two-test series against Australia.
According to reports, Chanderpaul recently met with new West Indies coach Phil Simmons where he requested that he retire on his own terms rather than to be forced into retirement.
According to information reaching this newspaper Chanderpaul told Simmons that he would like to be included in the team for the two matches against Australia as it would prove the ideal opportunity
To thank his fans and the WICB. Additionally he felt that the WICB could have used the occasion to recognize him for his service to regional cricket.
Simmons, it was reported then told the left hander that the decision was the selectors and not Chanderpaul’s.
“I understand how you feel but it is in the hands of the selectors not yourself to decide on a squad for the series so what I was saying to you is that you retiring would make more sense than you being left out of the squad for the series,” said Simmons.
Simmons then told Chanderpaul that he could send out a statement thanking
the WICB and the public adding that the board will recognise him for his dedicated service to cricket.
Stating that he felt his request was not too much to ask, Chanderpaul then reportedly told Simmons that the he felt the selectors were forcing him into retirement and subsequently declared that he will not retire.
Chanderpaul needs 86 more runs to surpass Brian Lara as the leading West Indies run scorer of all time.
