BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Darren Sammy said commitment to Windward Islands and West Indies have forced him to opt out of the Bangladesh Twenty20 Premier League next month.
The heavily-maligned West Indies captain had his options picked up for US $55,000 in the BPL auction on Thursday by the Sylhet Royals.
He said however, that he informed the franchise on Friday that he would have to turn down their offer due to clashing schedules with regional and West Indies matches.
“I am both humbled and honoured by this recognition of me as a professional cricketer,” said Sammy in a media statement issued through the West Indies Cricket Board.
“I have discussed with my family and given much thought and consideration to the offer and regrettably I have informed the BPL and the Sylhet Royals that I am unable to accept it at this stage.”
Sammy said he would remain in the Caribbean to play for Windwards in the Regional 4-Day tournament, which begins on February 3. The BPLT20 opens a week later. “While I enjoyed playing cricket in front the enthusiastic and passionate Bangladeshi fans the BPL’s schedule clashes with that of the Regional 4-Day tournament,” he said.
“Participating in the BPL would mean missing the first four rounds of the R4T.”
He added: “The West Indies will host Australia starting mid-March and it will be a tough and challenging [home] series.
“I have decided that it would be best for me to participate in the R4T in order that I am properly and fully prepared for the challenges of the series against Australia.”
Sammy said he also felt strongly about his decision based on the progress that the Windwards side has shown in regional competitions of late.
The St. Lucian all-rounder led the sub-regional side into the semi-finals of the on-going Caribbean T20 tournament which is drawing to a close here.
