Is Sulieman Benn in the World Cup 30?

What's the story with Barbadian spinner Sulieman Benn? That's the question on the lips of West Indies cricket fans following a strange press release from the WICB that says his availability for selection in the 15-man World Cup squad is being "closely monitored."

Even though the lanky left-armer was withdrawn from the Barbados training squad for disciplinary reasons, his name was mysteriously included in the provisional 30-man World Cup squad. If he was not allowed to play for Barbados because of indiscipline, why was he chosen for the senior West Indies team?

The WICB press release, issued on Thursday morning, gives the impression the selectors were not in sync with the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and, according to some sources, the Barbadian authorities weren't pleased that the Viv Richards-led panel ignored its censuring of Benn and named him to the World Cup squad.

From the WICB: "Benn has been suspended from the Barbados Cricket Association?s all-year training programme and the BCA has arranged a course of professional counselling and mentoring in which Benn is participating...(We) will seek cogent evidence that Benn has completed the counselling programme and has received clearance from the BCA before the final squad is picked for the 2003 World Cup to coincide with the deadline set by the International Cricket Council of December 31.

Of course, the issue of Benn's availability might all be moot since he has reportedly damaged ligaments in his knee and might not even be fit for the pre-tournament camp where the 30 players will duke it out for selection when the team is whittled down to 15.

Benn's career has been blotted with disciplinary indiscretions in recent months. In addition to his banishment by the BCA, he was also fined by the WICB's disciplinary committee in October for breaching the board's code of conduct during the 'A' team tour of England and Canada.

Separately, the WICB reported that skipper Carl Hooper underwent successful knee surgery in Australia. An orthopaedic specialist in Adelaide performed corrective surgery on both of Hooper's knees and the operation was deemed a success, the board said.

Hooper is expected to be fully recovered in time for the World Cup in South Africa next year.