Dear Editor,
Another WI test squad was named for the tour of SA and our local player, Keemo Paul, is once again a notable omission while a virtually unknown fast bowler from Barbados was given his maiden selection. This is the second squad selected for 2023 and neither gave Keemo consideration.
At the conclusion of the 2022 regional first class season Keemo was the leading fast bowler with 21 wickets and second bowler overall. This is no mean feat on the spinner friendly pitches of the Caribbean. His overall FC record is 108 wickets at 19.14. These are excellent numbers worthy of WI selection.
At the conclusion of the 2022 FC season lead selector Desmond Haynes was publicly effusive in praise of Keemo, citing his aggression and attitude. So what has happened since? Why isn’t Keemo being rewarded for excellent performances? Is it a case of the selectors continuously overlooking him in favor of lesser performing players? Or is he continuing to struggle with fitness issues? Or is he simply not interested in representing WI at the test level?
Keemo is too talented to be lost to the test game. Maybe GCB can give an explanation? Or they demand clarity from the CWI selectors?
Sincerely,
M. Abraham
