T&T minister shoots another letter for Sunil Narine's inclusion in Test squad

Mumbai: Anil Roberts, Trinidad and Tobago's sports minister, has not given up hope of Sunil Narine's inclusion in the West Indies Test team for the series against New Zealand, despite the selectors have announced the 13-member squad for the first Test beginning in Jamaica on 8th June.

Speaking exclusively over telephone from Trinidad, he says, "I have not lost hope yet. I shall be taking up the issue with my other federal ministers in islands".

Interestingly, the minister, whose mother (died six years ago) was Indian (born in Malaysia), has sent another letter (the first letter was written on May 31) to the West Indies Cricket Board on Tuesday.

In his letter, a copy of which we have, he says, "the current policy as it stands would suggest that a West Indian player may have to do what is tantamount to abandoning his franchise team at its most critical hour. What signal is sent if Sunil Narine had simply left his team just before a major final being streamed across the globe?

What would that say about the commitment and reliability of our players? How would this have affected his, and indeed other West Indian cricketers, chances of being drafted for future franchise tournaments and campaigns?

"Further, as a region, we should be looking to build relationships. His franchise team certainly seemed to be willing to do what was necessary to assist him in getting to the West Indies training camp in the fastest possible time, following the IPL Final".

"Again, I am requesting that due consideration be given to the arguments I presented in earlier correspondence and that the WICB work towards selecting the best possible team for the home series versus New Zealand. We have here a young cricketer fresh off of a win in a franchise final that was seen by millions across the globe, and by all accounts a truly epic battle. I truly hope that you and your board will be able to come to some kind of decision before the start of the home series and that all consideration is given to the professional futures of West Indian players, the team and West Indies cricket itself.”

The sports minister, in his earlier letter, had also given the example New Zealand player. "It must be noted at this point that Mr. Brendon McCullum of New Zealand who participated in the play off for Chennai Super Kings has been selected to play for New Zealand in an away series while being afforded the opportunity to participate fully in the IPL."

WICB stand firm, refuse to consider Anil Roberts' request:

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) though is firm on its stand of ignoring Sunil Narine, who preferred to play the IPL final instead of returning for the practice games in West Indies for the Test recall.