Dear Editor,
It is with much interest that I have read the list of ten players who will be contracted by the GCB for the upcoming regional franchise tournament. Surprisingly former Guyana and West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan was omitted, even though it was stated that he could still be bought by his country. It is already an ominous signal he is being excluded, despite his vast experience, proven track record and his desire still to represent the West Indies. The current Chairman of the WI selection panel Clive Lloyd has brought a breath of fresh air to the thinking policy of West Indies cricket and his faith in the ability of Marlon Samuels is a master stroke. (Samuels has been recalled to the WI team for the tour of India.) I am of the firm opinion that the same thinking will apply to Sarwan in the near future, because his talent is superior to most of the existing WI players and he will be critical to the team’s success. Therefore I am indeed surprised that the GCB is confident enough of playing without him since he may be bought by another franchise. The best that the GCB and Guyana could have done for Sarwan was to rebuild his confidence and to give him every opportunity to revitalize his career in tandem with most of his native team-mates. It will be interesting if the GCB has another shot at claiming him. But if so, will it affect Sarwan’s confidence, given the thought processes of the GCB?
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
