Cricket West Indies’ lead selector, Desmond Haynes has stated that Shimron Hetmyer was considered as part of the West Indies limited overs squad to tour the Netherlands and Pakistan but was unavailable.
Haynes, at a press conference yesterday when asked about Hetmyer’s absence, said, “We got a note or email from Hetty [Hetmyer] saying he is unavailable for selection because obviously with the birth of his child, that is all the information we received so we acted that way. We had considered him for selection but the note said he was unavailable.”
The 25-year-old left hander has been making the rounds for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League but left India on Sunday due to the birth of his first child.
A video posted by the IPL franchise suggested that Hetmyer would be returning to the IPL after his child’s birth which drew speculations over his availability for the West Indies.
“My stuff is still left in the room, it is only because of a special emergency that I am leaving, don’t miss me too much, see you soon,” Hetmyer said in the video posted by the Rajasthan Royals with the caption, “We look forward to Shimron then returning to Mumbai and resuming duties at the Royals for the remainder of our matches in IPL 2022…All the best, Hettie, we can’t wait to have you back, this time as a father.”
Haynes said that the selectors were reaching out to the players.
“I think what is important in all of this is for everyone to understand that we are reaching out to these players. As selectors we want to get the guys involved in West Indies cricket, we want to get results for West Indies cricket and we want West Indies cricket to be improving and we want people to be committed to West Indies cricket.”
West Indies will visit the Nether-lands for three ODIs on May 31, June 2 and June 4 followed by another three ODIs on June 8, 10 and 12 in Pakistan. The IPL concludes on May 29 and the Royals are in third position. Hetmyer has been instrumental in the Royals’ success, scoring 291 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 166 and a best of 59 not out.
West Indies squad: Nicholas Pooran (capt), Shai Hope (vc), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Anderson Phillip, Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.
