Holder admits to growing challenge to play for WI

Speaking on the Mason & Guest cricket radio programme in Barbados on Tuesday night, Holder also revealed he had sought “more clarity” regarding his absence from the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, but stopped short of elaborating on the discussions. Asked whether he had made himself available but was unable to receive any guarantees, Holder replied: “Look, I would have had a number of discussions trying to get some more clarity but...I would say yes and no. I would probably leave it at that.”

The comments came after Holder opted to continue with his Major League Cricket commitments rather than feature in the two-Test series in Sri Lanka, with several senior West Indies players increasingly managing packed schedules between international and franchise cricket. Holder also confirmed he will not be available for the West Indies’ upcoming white-ball home series against New Zealand, although he stressed he has not retired from One-Day International cricket.

Holder’s comments reflect the increasingly delicate balancing act facing modern West Indies cricketers, who must weigh national commitments against lucrative franchise opportunities while managing demanding workloads across all three formats

Translation

If you won’t guarantee that I will be playing in the starting XI, I won’t play at all. In addition, I’ll continue to pick and choose when, where, and against which teams I will play in white ball cricket for WI

Yet many WI fans continue to demand his inclusions, in all formats, some even demand he be captain despite his poor record, and make perpetual excuses for him when he declines to represent the maroon.

As they say, Gopaul luck is not Seepaul luck

@imusic

I'd say instead, "if you can't guarantee me a place in the team note that I need to earn my livelihood and invariably I will be bound by contractual commitments in case you happen to find me useful sometime along the way"

@sgtdjones

Holder the best all rounder after Sober.......has been treated very shabbily..... majority part of career he refused to play league cricket even after being removed from captaincy....he was dropped from red ball..... dropped from white ball....

Posters wanted him banished from Caribbean cricket......Holder took break.... reinvent himself as white ball cricketer....played in Pakistan league...UAE league....his performances in these leagues.... forced West Indies management to select him....played world Cup in India.... Excel....IPL excel...

Was dropped from test after being world no.1 all rounder in 2022..

Earn your money son.... you are the best.... Great of present era....

@Onionman0

I don't quite agree that Holder is being treated shabbily. I'd say he's hard done by for not being in the Test squad. But then to have him be included, there must be due process.

If Holder were to come into the team at this moment he'd be replacing Justin Greaves. And at a time when Holder chose to focus on T20 cricket, the former seized the opportunity to cement himself in the all-rounder position. It will be grossly unfair to now ursurp his place for Holder. Though less so, it will harsh to replace Kavem Hodge with Hope in the test starting tomorrow - the likely outcome

It is honourable though of Holder to not have turned his back or move on after his nonselection. By the way he is handling everything and his performance in the white ball, is keeping everyone honest

@InHindsight

Greaves is poor version of Mayers......

Take out double hundred....both players batting average tanks....as far bowling Mayers bowling @18...Greaves@37....

Comparing either players to Holder is insult ....to commonsense...

Sammy banished Kemar Roach....after playing part in victory vs Pakistan in Pakistan.....it was only due to injury to Josephs...he was recalled...

Vindictive......

Retirement of Pooran, Lewis

Dropping Roach,Holder

West Indies playing qualification for ODI World Cup 2027..

Up to him as far as I am concerned. Make himself available unconditionally or play his MLS. Not a complicated matter.