Dear Editor,
As a West Indian watching IPL cricket in India, questions and comments inevitably arise among fans about the poor state of West Indies cricket. It has hit rock bottom. Indian fans query why Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who has been doing so well in first class cricket, is not in the Test team to strengthen its performance and give the team a fighting chance in so many matches it needlessly lost. 
Chanders, Indian fans say, could have helped to save several matches recently lost, as he did throughout his career for Guyana, West Indies and other teams.
Indians recognize and salute talent, and Chanders has great cricketing ability, even at this late age of 42. Chanders is in the heart of every Indian sports enthusiast. In fact, India worships Chanders as a hero, although he is not playing for India. Indians see Chanders as a great cricketer. His achievement, they note, is a glaring example of his being a legendary cricketer, as he has set or broken so many batting records. They give him a lot of respect.
Indians feel Chanders should not have been discarded. Ironically, fans in the West Indies feel Chanders, or Tiger, as they call him, has been a victim of race. They feel there is no better batsman in the West Indies currently, given his consistent performance.
Chanders is a legend. You can’t read his batting stats any other way. You can’t watch him play and think any differently. He served Guyana and the region with pride and dignity. He has had a super career for the region. His service will always be remembered.
It has been tough to replace him; and, without him, West Indies has had to work so hard in Tests, losing so many matches. But the West Indies Board does not think so, and so the Board has unceremoniously dumped Chanders.
The legendary batsman has set many records which testify to his greatness. So much has depended on his broad shoulders in so many matches. He has, so many times, rescued Guyana and West Indies. But the WI Board does not care about performance or ranking of the team, or their own reputation.
Chanders has made immense contribution to Guyana as well. He has set many records for Windies, which prove his greatness; and whenever he played, he did so with heart and commitment. He was not intimidated by pace or bouncers or the swears from opponents. He played with his head on.
And for all of that, no thank you has been given to Chanders for his continuous support to Guyana or the region’s cricket. The Government of Guyana has let down Chanders by not speaking up for him and making a case why he should be given an honourable exit like Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Clarke or Jacques Kallis had received from their respective countries. Tiger deserved better.
The WI Board has demoted this legend. The West Indies Board has turned Tiger into a ghost, although his fitness has been so extraordinary that he can still play for another year or more.
The WI Board needs to immediately reverse course and recall the batting legend, as is being advised even by fans from as far away India. Clearly, by his performance, Chanders is not a man who is tired of playing. He continues to demonstrate grit and determination to play for country and region. And he has excelled in county cricket in UK.
The WI Board should give him a final role, if not as a player, then as a player manager; so that the youngsters can benefit from the treasure of his experience.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
