KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica Cricket Association chief, Wilford Heaven, believes any decision to appoint West Indies white-ball specialist, Rovman Powell, captain of Jamaica Tallawahs will augur well for the franchise.
Heaven, who does not have a leadership role in the franchise, said Powell had matured as a player and a leader and backed him to get the best out of those around him.
Speculation is rife that Powell will be named to lead Tallawahs in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League, especially since the recent departure of superstar Chris Gayle to St Lucia Zouks.
“I would support Rovman’s appointment because he captained the West Indies for three matches. It is our view that he has the potential and will be a capable player once he settles down,” Heaven told the Gleaner newspaper here.
“He will get the respect of all the other players because they are generally in the same age group, and if you notice with the Jamaica team, all of the players are really peers, and in any activity that requires teamwork that is very important.”
The 26-year-old Powell led West Indies in three One-Day Internationals on the tour of Bangladesh 17 months ago when regular captain Jason Holder was ruled out of the series through injury.
West Indies lost the series 2-1 and Powell has not played an ODI since, due to injury and loss of form.
Powell’s appointment is expected to be part of an overall shakeup at the franchise that is expected to see head coach Donovan Miller replaced by former West Indies captain Floyd Reifer, and manager Andrew Richardson also departing.
Heaven said the changes were not surprising especially after Tallawahs’ nightmare season last year when they won just two of 10 matches to finish last.
“I was not totally surprised by this move by the Tallawahs, and to be honest, I expected changes to be made,” explained Heaven.
“I figured that the Tallawahs would have to send a message in order to continue to get support, and so I think this is their way to send a strong message.
“I believe the management and the owners of the Tallawahs are making a business decision, and they are looking at the fact that last year the Tallawahs placed last.”
Gayle’s departure to Zouks came as somewhat of a surprise, however, but Heaven described the move as one designed to “send the right message”.
“I think the decision about Chris is a business one, that they could not continue with business as usual in the midst of coming last in the tournament last year,” he argued.
“I believe that you have to make changes. Chris is a high-profile player and they (Tallawahs owners) figure that this will send the right message.”
