Guyanese Shivnarine Chanderpaul has finally retired from international cricket.
Chanderpaul, widely considered one of the greatest batsmen to ever play for the West Indies, had been reluctant to announce his retirement after being dropped from the West Indies senior team which faced Australia in the Caribbean last year.
At the time Chanderpaul, whom many felt was still good enough to play for the West Indies team given the often pathetic batting displays in test matches, had felt that he was being forced into retirement and had vowed not to be “pushed.”
“In determining the squad for the series against Australia, the selectors have decided to move on with younger players for the future. I therefore regret to inform you that the coach and selectors have decided to omit you from the squad for that series,” chairman of the West Indies selection panel Clive Lloyd had written to his fellow Guyanese left hander.
West Indies coach Phil Simmons went further:“There is no dispute that you have dedicated the last 21 years of your life to West Indies cricket and as stated before this will be acknowledged and recognized by the WICB, but unfortunately length of service is not a criterion for selection,” Simmons had written.
Chanderpaul, in his response to Simmons had stated: “My request to finish up with the Australian series is not asking too much. It gives me a chance to acknowledge my supporters at home, and the possibility of the WICB properly honouring me for my contribution to WI cricket. I should not be pushed into retirement…..”
The decision not to select Chanderpaul proved to be a contentious one which divided fans everywhere and in some instances, even regional boards.
Now, finally, Chanderpaul has decided to call it a day making the difficult decision to end his illustrious international career after 22 years of yeoman service to the region during which period he racked up a slew of awards for his stupendous achievements. According to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) Chanderpaul informed the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) of his decision via email.
“The WICB acknowledges the invaluable contribution Shiv has made to the game globally and we wish him all the best,” was WICB president Dave Cameron’s reaction.
The 41-year-old Chanderpaul, though he has failed to reach the Mount Everest of West Indies batsmanship, held by Brian Lara’s record 11, 953, is not far behind, occupying second place with 11,867 test runs which ranks him sixth among the pantheon of the world’s greatest batsmen.
He has scored one more test century than the great Sir Donald Bradman and in 2008, had the unique distinction of copping three awards, the International, Test and ODI Cricketer of the Year.
Contacted last evening for a comment President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Drubahadur said he was unaware of the veteran batsman’s retirement from international cricket as the GCB had not been informed by the batsman nor the WICB.
He did say however, that the GCB will investigate the matter today and will provide more clarity regarding the situation during the course of the day.
Chanderpaul, who made his debut back in 1994 against England in Guyana, played 164 Tests, 268 One-day Internationals and 22 Twenty20 Internationals for the West Indies.
He has racked up 30 centuries and 66 half centuries in his career and in 2007 was named as one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the Year.
He has a highest test score of 203 not out and ended his career with an average of 51.37.
The veteran batsman last played for Guyana in the NAGICO Regional Super 50 semi-final as recently as Wednesday against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.
There is a view that Chanderpaul’s decision to retire is linked to his desire to play in the upcoming Master’s Champions League.
The Masters Champions League was approved in November by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a T20 event strictly for retired players.
According to the ICC, current or non-retired players will not be granted Non Objectionable Certificates to play in the league but reports indicate that the Pakistan, West Indies and Cricket South Africa boards have expressed concern over current players requesting NOCs in an effort to play in the league.
Chanderpaul and Fidel Edwards are among the West Indies players on rosters but so far only Chanderpaul has announced his retirement.
