The WICB and the head of selection panel, Clive Lloyd, have decided to not include the venerable Chanderpaul for The Frank Worrell Trophy against Australia, which begins on June 3. The reason for Chanderpaul’s exclusion is his poor form, as he has averaged close to 16 in the last couple of matches. READ: Shivnarine Chanderpaul unhappy with Test team axe
Criticising the decision of the WICB, Lara told the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, “This has nothing to do with numbers or averages. What are they saying that Chanderpaul was given the last 11 innings to get the desired number of runs to break a record? READ: Clive Lloyd explains Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s omission in a letter
“This has absolutely nothing to do with runs or numbers. It has to do with respect and Chanderpaul has earned the right to say goodbye in an acceptable way. In fact, he should be allowed to do it in his own way,” he added.
Lara pointed out that many cricket boards around the world have at times organised special series to bid a grand farewell to their heroes. “What did they do? They organised a Test series in his honour and gave him a farewell in keeping with his contribution to the game.” READ: Shivnarine Chanderpaul reveals details of Clive Lloyd’s controversial letter
Lara continued, “From Guyana in 1994 when he made his debut to his last Test innings he gave his heart to West Indies cricket and what do we do… drop him and that’s it. The manner in which they deal with their players is despicable and should no longer be tolerated. When you look back to so many of our heroes and the manner in which they were dumped, it makes you shudder.”
The former cricketer said Chanderpaul must be included in the Test side to face Australia. “In that way, there will be no hostility and whether he makes a double century or a duck, it doesn’t matter, it will be his farewell series and the entire cricketing world will know that,” Lara said.
“He deserves it. The WICB and the Caribbean owe it to Shiv to send him off with dignity and respect. He has earned it,” the legendary cricketer concluded.
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