BCB calls for condemnation of Permaul’s omission

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday said that it was frustrated by the omission of left arm-spinner Veerasammy Permaul from the West Indies touring team to Sri Lanka.

Permaul was the leading wicket-taker in last season’s Professional Cricket League (CPL) four-day tournament but the West Indies selectors opted for Barbados left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.

The selectors also chose Jason Holder to skipper the test team at the expense of wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin for next month’s tour to Sri Lanka.

Veerasammy Permaul
Veerasammy Permaul

Rajindra Chandrika and Devendra Bishoo were the only Guyanese players selected with batsman Leon Johnson missing out as well.

According to a release from the BCB: “The board has no issue with young Jomel Warrican, it feels strongly that Permaul’s performance for the year so far, his experience and track record are enough for him to earn his selection.

“He was the top bowler in the regional four day competition, tied with Sunil Narine in the 50 Overs tournament and bowled beautifully in the just-concluded Caribbean Premier League,” the board stated adding that that Permaul was no rabbit with the bat and has done well as a developing all-rounder over the years.

The BCB said it was of the firm opinion that while the WICB Executives, Directors and selectors continue to blame the players for the failures of West Indies cricket the problem was with they themselves.

“They have been talking of rebuilding and investing in new players for over two decades but the results continue to get worse. So obviously, the fault lies with the administrators,” the release added.

“The BCB calls for wholesome changes to the West Indies Cricket Board and its selectors because members of the WICB are more interested in keeping their positions rather than work towards improving the game. As a result, everyone barters and compromises. The board also calls on all Guyanese to condemn this injustice and stop the eye pass of our cricketers”.