Dear Editor,
Mr Pybus can categorically deny as much as he wants Kieron Powell’s allegation that Pybus demanded that Powell disclose the details of the personal problem with which he was confronted. I believe Powell, and I think his allegation more credible than Pybus’s denial. Just ask yourself, why on earth would Powell have concocted the story?
As to the WICB’s position that “Selection is not a right or entitlement of any player and is at the discretion of the independent selection panel,” it is wrong. Sport is one of the few arenas in which merit is the sole criterion for entry. Selectors should have no discretion to exclude the best. There may be an issue as to whether someone is or is not the best, but once that issue is resolved the best must play. It is this exercise of discretion without providing reasons that has caused so much trouble in West Indies cricket in the past. We need go no further than some of the decisions made in selections for the World Cup. Cricketers play for the West Indies, not for the WICB.
Yours faithfully,
Romain Pitt