Shiv's Resignation - A Sacrifice for Hope
The ill-fated captaincy of Shivnarine Chanderpaul came to an end last week with his resignation. Given his quiet and introverted nature, captaincy does not come easy to Chanderpaul, but the circumstances surrounding his appointment certainly did not help matters.
In a time of unbridled selfishness in West Indies cricket, Chanderpaul?s decision was a sincere and altruistic step by a player who has always put the team ahead of personal glories.
His detractors will argue that he chose to jump rather than be pushed. More to the truth, perhaps, is the recognition that, under the circumstances, it was the best decision for the future of West Indies cricket.
Still, he will feel both hurt and disappointed because he is a loyal and devoted West Indian. I remember our interview a few years ago, and the pride and devotion he showed for West Indies cricket. I recall the love and admiration with which he spoke of Brian Lara while reminiscing about Lara?s record breaking 375. Saying to Lara as they walked out that morning, ?Brian, you got to do it, man.? Though not the most articulate, the eyes told that he spoke from the heart. Lara must have dearly wanted to repay such unselfish support when he promised to help Chanderpaul succeed as captain. Unfortunately, Lara?s form seemed to have deserted him just when he was needed most.
Chanderpaul would be tempted to look back to the Tri-Nation Cup in Sri Lanka ? and that breath of fresh air that inspired the team for a little while ? and wonder, what if?
He should not, though, for a house divided unto itself could never stand. Manager Wes Hall, in his report, revealed this divisiveness which began way back in 1994 on the tour of England. At the infamous Old Trafford meeting, Lara blamed then captain, Ritchie Richardson, for many problems on the team. Richardson responded that he had always enjoyed a good relationship with Lara, and was very surprised to find out that Lara harbored such feelings. Richardson further added that if a majority of the players felt as Lara did, then he would gladly resign as captain. He made it clear, however, that he was not prepared ?to bow to egotistical people with agendas and ambitions?. To this, Lara responded, ?I retire?, and walked out of the meeting.
The divisiveness was further acerbated on the tour to Pakistan in 1997. Into the tour, talk emerged of dissension in the ranks with the team split into two groups ? one led by Brian Lara, and the other supporting newly appointed skipper Courtney Walsh. West Indies ended the tour without winning a single game with Manager Lloyd lamenting Lara?s loss of form (129 runs in six innings). Said Lloyd, "Lara's highest score was 37. What we needed from a world-class player like him on some of the best pitches I have seen was a couple of big knocks."
Replaced as captain, Courtney Walsh never wavered in his commitment or selfless support for his replacement ? something Chanderpaul, given his nature, will certainly endeavour to emulate. Hopefully, the fans will do the same for the new skipper would need all the help and support he can get.
This week, Christians around the world are marking Easter ? Christ?s death as the ultimate sacrifice and, with it, His message of Hope for mankind. Chanderpaul?s resignation too is a sacrifice, and with it a hope for the future of West Indies cricket.