Dear Editor,
Now that the West Indies Team is out of the World Cup, the naysayers have simply been proven right.
It will be interesting to hear what the Chairman of Selectors, Roger Harper, has to say about this recent debacle.
It all started with poor selection in the first place; the omission, retention and recall of players who, in no right-thinking country, could have been in that squad.
Pakistan immediately comes to mind. With the installation of Ramiz Raja as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PTCCB), by no other that Prime Minister and former captain Imran Khan, he immediately set out to change the team selected. The results by Pakistan thus far need no mention, dismantling the POWERHOUSE India and winning every other game so far is simply remarkable.
I remember seeing Ramiz Raja in 1988 at Bourda being bowled by Curtly Ambrose with his ninth delivery in Test cricket.
He is a feisty administrator, player and commentator; good signs for Pakistan cricket.
In contrast, Roger refused to correct the mistakes of the selectors after the likes of Romario Shepherd, who proved his all-round ability, and Sherfane Rutherford, who was more than consistent and deserved selection, were omitted; and there was the obvious blunder of recalling Ravi Rampaul and an out-of-sync Oshane Thomas, which was criminal.
Roger said then that regardless of the criticisms, the team wouldn’t be changed.
I am making a personal appeal to President Skerritt and VP Shallow to dismantle this Selection Panel if it refuses to do the honourable thing and resign.
On this same note, I say bon voyage to Christopher Henry Gayle. You have done us proud, hope to see you knighted sooner rather than later. And best of luck to DJ Bravo, a true stalwart of the game.
We need new vision, new direction, and a comprehensive revamp of this team as we move forward. Come on Roger, your slip is showing, resign and save this region further embarrassment.
Regards,
Ronald Shepherd
