Eye on the game

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) — West Indies Test captain Jason Holder says he is determined to avoid controversial off-the-field issues and focus on his main job of leading the Caribbean side.

Responding to questions from media here on the decision by Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Carlos Brathwaite to decline central contracts, Holder reiterated he was powerless over such administrative matters and was more preoccupied with galvanising West Indies’ performances on the field.

All three players are members of the Test squad which finally won their first game in 19 months and first on foreign soil in four years, when they beat Pakistan by five wickets in the third and final Test in Sharjah on Thursday.

“As I’ve said about all the negative things around West Indies cricket, those things are basically beyond my control,” said Holder, who celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday.