Windies stars opt to play PSL ahead of WC qualifiers
Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell have all opted to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead of helping the West Indies qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
The World Cup qualifiers will take place from 4-25 March in Zimbabwe while the PSL runs from 22 February until 25 March.
Batsmen Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels were selected in the Windies’ 15-man squad but Pollard, Narine, Bravo and Russell have indicated that they will skip the event to play in the PSL.
ALSO READ: ICC announce 2019 World Cup Qualifier fixtures
Chairman of selectors Courtney Browne said in a statement: “We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause.
“Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell however indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.”
Johnny Grave, Cricket West Indies chief executive officer, further told ESPNCricinfo: “Their positions were clear that they were unable to help us qualify and they are all committed to participate in the PSL.
“We understand and respect the players’ decisions. We are hugely disappointed that they have not made themselves available to help the West Indies qualify for the World Cup.”
Jason Holder will captain the team in the qualifiers that sees the return of allrounder Carlos Brathwaite, fast bowler Kemar Roach and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo to the squad.
The Windies will depart to Zimbabwe on 10 February and play two warm-up games before the tournament gets underway where they are grouped with Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea in group A.
West Indies ODI squad: Jason Holder (capt), Jason Mohammed (vice-capt), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams
Latest
-
NewsMiddlesex committed to improving inclusivity and ‘addressing bias’
The Lord’s-based county confronted the issue at a recent board meeting.
-
NewsAustralian Event Awards honour Women’s T20 World Cup
The Women’s T20 World Cup has been recognised once again for its innovation and excellence in the field of event organisation.
-
NewsIndia tour to Australia rubber-stamped by government
Cricket Australia have hammered out a deal with the New South Wales authorities to host the quarantining players.
-
NewsChigumbura wants to prove his worth in Pakistan
Elton Chigumbura targets a return to form and Zimbabwe are hunting points in the Cricket World Cup Super League.
-
NewsEngland announce T20I and ODI tour to South Africa next month
England’s first tour since the coronavirus pandemic began will be played out amid biosecure plans agreed with the Proteas.
-
NewsMorgan warns against long-term impact of bio-bubbles
England captain Eoin Morgan and his West Indies counterpart Jason Holder have expressed concerns about continuous use of bio-bubbles.
-
NewsMisbah sheds light on decision to pick Usman over Zahid
Usman Qadir won the nod for the squad to face Zimbabwe ahead of journeyman tweaker Zahid Mehmood leading to questions about Misbah’s picks.
-
NewsBBL clubs given until the end of week to lock in extra overseas player
The Australian Cricketers' Association have dropped...
-
NewsJason Holder “disappointed” over Black Lives Matter response
England took a knee with the West Indies and Ireland but not during series against Australia and Pakistan.
-
NewsGlenn says bio-bubble experience in Derby was ‘special’
Sarah Glenn got more familiar with her homeground during the five-match T20I series against the West Indies.