(Trinidad Express) West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president Wavell Hinds has expressed his “disappointment” over Denesh Ramdin’s gesture towards former West Indies batsman Sir Viv Richards during the third Test against England on Sunday at Edgbaston.
Ramdin responded to Richards’ criticism of his poor form after scoring a century in the match by holding up a sheet of paper which read: “yeah Viv, talk nah”.
The former West Indies opener, by media release yesterday, stated that WIPA will not condone any such behaviour by its players.
“We are constantly reminding our members of the importance of representing the people of the Caribbean,” said Hinds, “and also the WICB, in a manner which is in keeping with the spirit of the game, and which will not bring the game into disrepute.”
Hinds described Sir Viv as “an icon of West Indies cricket and a living legend of the sport”, and said the former batsman should be “seen as such by all who represent and support West Indies cricket”.
According to Hinds, he has spoken to Ramdin on the incident, and accepts the wicket-keeper’s explanation.
“I am heartened that Denesh has sought to publicly clarify his actions, and has also expressed regret to Sir Viv.”
The WIPA head also hoped Ramdin’s good form with the bat will continue through to the conclusion of the England tour.
“Denesh is a talented cricketer who has much to offer the team,” Hinds said, “and I am confident that with these runs under his belt, and the immediate media frenzy following his ‘celebration’ behind him, that he will play a key role in the expected success of the team for the rest of the tour.”
