West Indies have named their 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 which will begin on October 13.
However, West Indies Experience Players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have been left out. Haynes said they decided to pick someone “in form” instead of Russell, who last played a T20I in the T20 World Cup last year.
“We had a meeting with Andre Russell earlier in the year, We’re still not convinced yet, he’s not performing as well as we would like to see him in the competition. I think in the situation with Andre Russell, we’ve just decided to move on, and look for someone who’s in form, and doing well in the T20 format.” Haynes told in an interview
Meanwhile, Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his surprise at seeing all-rounders Andre Russell and Sunil Narine not making the cut for the West Indies squad.
He said West Indies’ cricket structure is flawed even though they won the tournament twice. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said:
“The West Indies cricket structure is flawed if Andre Russell is not playing. Different islands unite to play for the team, but I think there is nothing to join them together. In the last T20 World Cup, it seemed the captain’s [Kieron Pollard] friends joined and partied together.”
He continued:
“They are one of the most successful teams [in the tournament] but must qualify for the group stage matches. No Russell and Sunil Narine, we shall find out [how they perform].”
The two-time T20 World Cup champions, West Indies, were knocked out during the tournament’s group stage last year.
They will compete against seven other teams – Namibia, Sri Lanka, UAE, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Scotland – to qualify for the group stage (Super 12) matches at the T20 World Cup 2022.
West Indies squad for ICC T20 World Cup: Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Odean Smith, Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Raymon Reifer, Obed McCoy, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell, and Yannic Cariah.
WI cricket structure may be flawed but the decision of the selectors is right and soundly based.
The fact someone may be a decent player in franchise cricket and is sought around the globe does not mean he should walk into the WI side at the expense of players who are always ready and eager to represent the WI.
Loyalty and retaining team morale are fundamental requirements of the CWI.
So Mr Chopra, please keep out of WI business ok.