It is incumbent upon me to address several issues surrounding my cricket career in general and matters regarding my omission from the Guyana franchise team this year in particular.
Firstly, as I was recently made to understand, a seminar for the Franchise discussion was held the Tuesday before the bidding at the Everest Cricket Club Pavilion.
However, no one including Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) officials, displayed the simplest of courtesy or sought to extend an invitation or inform me of this seminar.
Secondly, there has been much talk about me having injuries, which are not unusual to any sport and are very common among sportsmen and Sportswomen. Personally, I have invested much time and resources both in and out of Guyana to improve my fitness level.
However, at no time was I ever contacted, nor any interest shown by cricket officials after sustaining injuries during my participation for Guyana regionally.
Notwithstanding, I have enlisted the services of several medical specialists in the USA to aid in my preparation for my upcoming season.
I am currently in Guyana working with another specialist to ensure that I am ready for the 2014-2015 First Class season.
The CGI, through its Chairman of Selectors, has on numerous occasions been made fully aware of my progress and desire to continue playing cricket. Following this, at no time did I indicate that I would not be available to participate in any cricket tournament.
On numerous occasions, I informed the Chairman of Selectors that my medical team recommended that I complete the entire course of rehabilitation process before returning to cricket. My expected return to full match fitness will coincide with the start of the 2014-2015 season.
At this juncture, it is necessary for me to clear the air and set the record straight about my contracts with Leicestershire, Punjab, and Amazon Warriors.
My contract at Leicestershire was self-terminated.
This decision was mine to make and was made with the view to seeking professional aid to improve and prepare for the upcoming regional tournament.
With reference to Punjab, this contract was fully extended to me for a three-year period. However, the Punjab team management utilized varying combinations of cricketers during the period. But my contract was never terminated.
With regard to my contract with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the team management had the right to retain six players, and that they did.
Unfortunately, I was not selected, and that was understandable and well respected.
This was, however, not on the basis of any injuries. In fact, I played the entire season of the 2013 Caribbean Premier League season without any complications.
Mention was made that I was not retained by the West Indies Cricket
Board (WICB). However, many of the players selected in the draft were also not retained by WICB.
Earlier this year after playing against the Windwards in Trinidad and Tobago for the regional 50-over tournament, I began experiencing pains in the lower back the following day. I missed one game then returned for the semi-final.
During our practice sessions prior to the commencement of the Four-day tournament, the discomfort returned. I visited Dr Ashkai Mansingh, WICB Chief Medical Officer of and he advised that I refrain from playing in the four-day game.
He recommended that I proceed to intensive therapy, particularly medication and physiotherapy for 10 to 14 days. At no point did I declare myself unfit to play. I am in possession of the doctor’s medical report and advisories. This advice was given in Jamaica.
Based on Dr Mansingh’s advice, and after discussions with the team management, I was excused to seek treatment in the United States. I subsequently interrupted my therapy to honour my commitments with Leicestershire. I eventually made the decision to withdraw from the Leicestershire team to continue therapy in order to be ready for the regional tournament.
Challenges during my professional career have never discouraged me from
pressing forward to play the game that I love most. I have invested much to improve my physical wellbeing. I am happy to advise that I have successfully concluded all medical evaluations and treatments, and have resumed my therapy and preparation for the 2014/2015 season.
I take this opportunity to thank all my fans and fellow Guyanese for their continued support over the last 19 years. I have always represented my country with pride, dignity and joy.
The Trinidad Red Force have placed their faith in me and with this selection, I look forward to your continued support as I embark on this new journey.
I will continue to love, respect and embrace the game of cricket in Guyana and the region. My main focus currently is to give my best to the Trinidad Red Force, to represent West Indies cricket team again, and aid in the development of regional cricket.
I take this opportunity extend the best of wishes to the Guyana Jaguars in their endeavours.
Going forward, I will desist from commenting further on these issues, as I place my full attention to matters on the cricket field.
Kind regards,
Ramnaresh Sarwan
