BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Regional players’ union, WIPA, has joined the chorus of criticism of the West Indies Cricket Board’s decision to exclude experienced batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan from their list of centrally contracted players.
In a media release yesterday, WIPA said it “condemned” the recent move by the Board, contending that Sarwan had not been given an opportunity to address the concerns raised by the WICB and had always worked hard to return to fitness when injured.
Sarwan, a veteran of 83 Tests, was one of six players dumped from the retainer contracts list two weeks ago.
WIPA said that WICB chief executive Ernest Hilaire had written to Sarwan in January earlier this year, outlining concerns about his fitness and physical preparation, following a review of the team report on the Australia tour in late 2009.
“The report of this review has never been seen by either WIPA or Mr. Sarwan. By letter of January 11th 2010 the WICB acknowledged that it was not highlighting any specific incidents regarding these concerns but that its letter was merely to sensitize Mr. Sarwan to its desire for a higher level of commitment and application from him as a contracted player with the West Indies cricket team,” WIPA said.
“By letter of January 21st, WIPA requested that the WICB specify the instances where Mr. Sarwan has demonstrated such apparently negative behavioral traits and also notified the WICB that since the supposed findings of a “review team” was never discussed with Mr. Sarwan that he should have the opportunity to be heard on the matter.
“WIPA also made it clear that it would be inequitable to take such a report into consideration with regard to any future selection processes pertinent to Mr. Sarwan in these circumstances. The WICB has not responded on this matter.”
In a defence of its controversial move, the WICB said they had not awarded Sarwan a central contact because of his “extremely indifferent attitude and sporadic approach towards fitness” in recent years.
The Board said the selection committee had viewed the 30-year-old’s fitness as “less than satisfactory” and noted that his lack of conditioning had contributed to the injuries he had suffered in recent time.
But WIPA said after Sarwan was injured on the tour of Australia, he did everything in his power to return to fitness and had followed all of the requirements set out by the West Indies fitness team.
Further, the players’ union said that at no time during the Australian tour or any other series, had there been any complaints by team management about Sarwan’s attitude to fitness.
WIPA also pointed out that Sarwan had never been informed by chairman of selectors Clyde Butts of any concerns about his fitness.
Sarwan injured his back on the tour of Australia during a practice session and was forced to miss the first Test but was available for the second and third matches.
According to WIPA, Sarwan played both matches in discomfort but his subsequent request for an MRI scan was turned down by the WICB.
“Mr. Sarwan was eventually sent to a doctor who recommended a particular injection and a CT scan. The former treatment regime was then changed and Mr Sarwan felt slightly better although still suffering from pain and discomfort, Mr. Sarwan played the second test,” WIPA claimed.
“The pain arising from the injury got worse during the third test, but Mr. Sarwan’s request for an MRI was refused by the team management because of the WICB’s refusal to pay for this service.
“Mr. Sarwan insisted on having the MRI done even though it meant having to pay for it from his own pocket, even though he was still a member of the team to Australia. Cricket Australia eventually paid for the MRI.”
Following the tour of Australia, WIPA said Sarwan flew to Florida for further treatment and had kept in contact with Butts throughout the recovery period.
WIPA said Sarwan had been advised by Butts to miss the Twenty20 games against Zimbabwe in order to be fit for the pending One-Day International series.
“Mr. Sarwan has always followed all such instructions and decisions taken,” WIPA asserted.
“Between these series Mr Sarwan participated in a 10-day optional camp and received kudos, reported in the media, from coach (Ottis) Gibson for his level of commitment in all areas of training.
“Mr. Sarwan satisfied all the fitness requirements required by the WICB trainer and physiotherapist after the Ireland series March 2010.”
WIPA said that it questioned the WICB’s defence of their actions on the matter and the consequences for Sarwan’s image.
