GCB calls on CWI to dismiss selection panel

…makes another request for criteria used for selection of players
THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is once again requesting Cricket West Indies
(CWI) to furnish the local body with the criteria used for retainer contracts as well
as the selection of players to CWI representative teams.
The GCB, in a release, pointed out that a similar request was made on May 17
and in response, CWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnny Grave said there was
no requirement or obligations for CWI to explain the decision(s) of their selection
policy.
According to the GCB, it wishes to once again express concern with the
continuous omission of Guyanese players from representative teams of CWI.
Following is the release from the GCB:
The Executive and members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wish to once
again express our extreme concern with the continuous omission of Guyanese
players from representative teams of Cricket West Indies (CWI) as well as from
the players’ retainer contracts of CWI.
On May 17, 2021, the GCB had cause to issue a strongly-worded press release
and also a letter to the CEO of CWI, Mr. Johnny Grave, detailing our concerns with
the selection process. We requested that CWI furnish the GCB with the criteria
used for the retainer contracts as well as the selection of our players to CWI
representative teams.
In response to a request by the GCB directors (CWI), CEO Johnny Grave stated
that there was no requirement or obligation for CWI to explain the decision(s) of
their selection policy. The present selection process appears riddled with
inconsistencies, clearly subjective and discriminatory.
Because of the noticeable omission of our players –Romario Shepherd, Sherfane
Rutherford, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul and Chandrapaul Hemraj–
we reiterate our call for an explanation of the reasons for these omissions
together with the selection policy information used.
The impression is created that there is no selection criteria document or it is a
closely-guarded secret that cannot stand up to scrutiny.
The GCB is perplexed with the contention by CWI selectors that Sherfane

Rutherford is unfit. CWI should advise the Caribbean cricket public regarding the
standard and schedule for fitness tests for regional cricketers.
The GCB holds the view that Rutherford is game-fit as clearly indicated by his
outstanding performances in the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and his
selection to the Sunrisers Hyderbad team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The GCB regards the issue of Rutherford’s fitness as an excuse to exclude one of
the talented young cricketers in the Caribbean.
The CWI selection panel has disappointed Guyana and the Caribbean at large.
The GCB (as a shareholder of CWI) is insisting that the selection panel be
accountable to all cricket institutions and stakeholders in the region and to justify
this latest selection fiasco.
Failure to do so, the GCB calls on CWI to dismiss the selection panel and to
replace it with a more competent one which will represent the best interests of
West Indies cricket. (Guyana Chronicle)