ST JOHN’S:
Chris Gayle has been omitted from the West Indies squad for the one-off Twenty20 and the first two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against India following his controversial radio interview last month questioning his earlier omission from the squad that took on Pakistan.
Despite the opener’s explosive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he finished as the event’s leading run-scorer, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said they would not consider Gayle unless he meets them to resolve the issue.
“Gayle will not be considered for selection before a meeting with the selection committee, the WICB management and the West Indies team management,” said the WICB in a statement. “The selection committee views this meeting necessary after Gayle’s comments in a Jamaican radio interview.”
All-rounder Kieron Pollard has been recalled while fast bowler Kemar Roach has been rested. Uncapped Jamaican left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie is the only change in the Twenty20 squad which defeated Pakistan in St Lucia in April.
Pollard and Dwayne Bravo were not included in the Twenty20 squad having not played in the recent Caribbean Twenty20 tournament.
Fast-bowler Jerome Taylor has again been overlooked with selectors insisting he must play a full season of regional cricket to prove his fitness, said a statement issued by the board. West Indies and India will play five ODIs as well as three Tests.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 31st, 2011.
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