Dear Editor,
The confusion escalates as it relates to the dropping or axing of the most consistent trio of West Indies cricket, Christopher Gayle, Shiv Chanderpaul and the now recalled Ramnaresh Sarwan. The reasons given by the respected former West Indies and Guyanese off spinner, the Honourable Clyde Butts, are the selectors are rebuilding the team and young players are being given the exposure with the 2015 ICC World Cup in mind.
If this was to be accepted, then like Mr Sean Devers and other cricket commentators said the “cart is before the horse”.
Chris, an exceptional cricketing individual, was forced to defend his position and that of his dropped team mates, Mr Cool (Gayle) brought to light many issues that were up to then hidden from the public’s domain by the West Indies Cricket Board. A lot of fans had believed that the selectors were doing what they were doing in the best interest of WI cricket only to be confounded and confronted by the facts and by the release of their hero Chris Gayle and subsequently Shiv himself.
What more is in the `Mata besides the pestle’ in WI administration of cricket remains a concern but the consistent, loyal and dedicated former number one batsman in the world Mr. Chanderpaul made utterances that would not normally come from him even in the most trying circumstances. He too was shoved, pushed and goaded in one way or the other. Mr Sarwan remained silent throughout the entire scenario, leaving one to wonder if that in anyway earned him a recall.
It is my humble view that an enquiry should be done to bring out the truth of what transpired between the coach and these ebullient and efficient players, what went wrong on tour? An inquiry can reveal Mr Hilaire made very many statements and these need to be investigated. Further the WICB needs to open itself to a public scrutiny in all of this. They cannot even attempt to play the role of the innocent because it is the view that they are guilty. It is not all about the players, it is about the administrators also.
Mr Colin Croft an admired and respected great of the West Indies fast bowling crew of the seventies and eighties made the point that some examination be done by the administrators and alluded to the players’ importance to West Indies. Mr Andy Roberts voiced his concerns and related that both the WIPA and the WICB have not been working in the best interest of players and the region’s cricket, and called for something to be done to save our game.
These voices cannot and must not be ignored by Mr Julian Hunte and Mr Hilaire and of course the chairman of the West Indies Players Association.
Please in the name of God save our cricket.
Yours faithfully
Bishop Ivan John
