Narine opts out of Windies Test squad

Fri, May 30, '14

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Off spinner Sunil Narine has advised the West Indies Cricket Board that he has opted to remain in India to participate in the final of the Indian Premier League and consequently will not join the West Indies Training Camp in preparation for the Test Series against New Zealand by June 1st as is required by the WICB.

Narine had been in discussion with the WICB and was required to advise the Board by May 24 whether he will join the squad currently in training in Barbados on June 1.

Narine had indicated by the May 24 deadline that he will join the squad on June 1 as required.Narine subsequently advised the WICB on May 28 that he would not be able to meet the June 1 requirement.

Narine’s decision not to join the camp by June 1 will result in him not being considered for selection to the West Indies squad for the Tests Series v New Zealand (June 8th to 30th). Narine will be considered for selection to the squad for the two Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand on July 5th and 6th in Dominica.

WICB Director of Cricket Richard Pybus explained that the guiding principle of the Windies First Policy which was recently approved by the Board of Directors requires players to make themselves available for team preparations.

“The onus of the WICB is to protect the integrity of international cricket at all times. International cricket, and specifically Test cricket, is priority and requires dedicated preparation which is integral to team success. The WICB policy requires players to commit to sufficient preparation leading in to a series as part of a culture of excellence,” Pybus said.
The WICB appreciates the discussion with Narine and his representative on his availability to West Indies cricket.