Alex Javier

The International Cricket Council (ICC) November 08 announces the latest legends who join the prestigious list of cricketing greats that make up the ICC Hall of Fame.

The ICC Hall of Fame celebrates the greatest players ever to grace the game throughout its rich history, and these three individuals have all left a lasting legacy through their significant contributions to the sport.

Following a voting process that ICC included Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Charlotte Edwards and Abdul Qadir as the latest legends. Jimmy Adams, the current CWI Director of Cricket, added his congratulations in a letter following Chandrapol’s induction into the Hall of Fame by the ICC.

Below Jimmy Adams Congratulation Added Letter:

To Shiv,

It was nearly three decades ago that I got to share a room with a 19-year-old from Guyana who I am proud to say became a great batting partner, roommate, friend, and now ICC Hall of Fame member.

I am thrilled that you are getting the recognition for everything you did for cricket in the West Indies and globally. I am not sure I ever met someone who worked harder at their craft, and it is testament to that work and sacrifice that even as the team’s fortunes met challenges, you got better and better.

I still remember the first time I heard your name. We were told about this young kid from Guyana, thin as a pencil, not the strongest but who nobody could get out.

When they picked you as a teenager for that Test in England in 1994, it raised eyebrows, my own included. I had never seen you play and there was a sense that you had jumped the queue. Two decades and more than 10,000 Test runs later, it is fair to say, the selectors got it right on that occasion.

We were roommates for most of my career from that tour onwards and as well as the trust that developed over that time, it’s fair to say you taught me a lot both about cricket as well as life in general.

I think the biggest lesson is that there are no excuses. I look at how you got to the top and stayed there for as long as you did despite all the challenges you faced. You are a symbol to kids from difficult backgrounds that anything, including greatness, is possible. I’ve spoken to many youngsters who held you up as a role model and who believed that “If Shiv could do it, I can do it.”

I hold you up as the example of what can be – the possibilities that exist. You opened my mind up to the fact that if you get a young kid who is willing and tries, never ever put a ceiling on him/her. We all knew you were talented, but if you had said 10,000 Test runs over 20 years…!!!! That happened because you adapted and kept adapting and kept working. If you ran into an obstacle, you would seek help and would grow. No one gave you that attitude, its something you brought with you wherever you went. Watching you grow and evolve over the past 30 years has cemented some of my own life philosophies on who, when and where to invest my own time and energies. Again, I am truly grateful for these lessons.

Your numbers are outrageous, and lots of people will focus on them. But what resonates with me is just how much it took me firstly to get to the international stage and secondly how much it needed for me to hang around for 10 years. You did it for 20!!! The effort and the sacrifice just boggle my mind!

It is hard to quantify just how great your legacy is. You started in a winning team, and along with Brian Lara, as the team became less formidable, your personal contributions got greater and greater. It was a reminder that you can even rise above the fortunes of any group if you work hard enough. It is easy to ride on the bandwagon of a successful team, but you were able to set impossibly high standards and maintain them even as the rest of the team struggled.

It was amazing watching, not only your cricket maturing, but you as a person. From a shy, introverted teenager, you grew into someone who would go on to become captain of the team. Where many others have chosen to hide deficiencies and flaws behind their on-field success, you from a very young age, confronted yours and invested the time in your personal development. Watching this transformation from close-up was truly inspirational.

You had so many truly memorable knocks over the years that I might struggle to say which one, for me, stands shoulders above the rest. However, the greatest standout for me is simply the fact that you “sat at the table” for 20 years!!

Having said that, if I have to pick out one, it is impossible not to mention the 69-ball hundred against Australia at your home ground in Guyana. I was not in the team by that point but watched all of it from a studio in the UK. The innings resonates with me simply because it was proof to me that there was far more to you and your game than the world, and maybe even you, gave yourself credit for.

I stand in awe of what you did over 20 years of international cricket. People will never understand how difficult it is. As a batting partner, you made it easier for all of us. For me, knowing that I had a rock at the other end just took away a lot of the pressure and allowed me to focus totally on my own game. I’m sure many others who had the opportunity to bat with you will say the same.

I hope this award justifies to you the value of the sacrifices you made from day one. And I know this award is not just for you. I think of your family – your father and uncles who were always willing to bowl to you for hours and hours in those early years. No doubt this award will, in part, recognize them and the rest of your family as well.

I know I speak for many fans of the game, who will be pleased that you are being officially recognized for your immense contribution not just to West Indies cricket, but to world cricket as well.

Well done my friend.

Jimmy

The West Indies is scheduled to visit Australia for two Test matches in November and the West Indies Test squad that will participate in that has been named by CWI today (29).

As usual, Kraigg Brathwaite leads the team and there have been some notable changes to the squad. Accordingly, young Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of veteran West Indies cricketer Shivanarine Chanderpaul, has been included in the squad.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul joins as a new player while all-rounder Roston Chase who were out of the squad due to injury, and middle-order batsman Shamarh Brooks, have been recalled.

Thomas scored 94 off 98 balls in the CG Insurance Super 50 the Hurricanes dropped against the Barbados Pride at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday. He had a strike rate of 95.9 percent with 3 fours and 4 sixes.

Hurricanes player Devon Thomas is also included in Australia’s upcoming Test series and believes he needs a big score to boost his confidence with a game against the Prime Minister’s XI.

“I was looking around 150 or so because when I looked at the chart [most runs], I noticed I was at the bottom of the table so I said I have to finish on a high to give me that confidence going to Australia. I was always in good nick but I just didn’t give myself any time at the crease for the first two games.”

Hurricanes were 243 for 8 in 46.4 overs when the match was stopped due to rain. Kesey Carty scored 59 off 100 balls and Terence Ward scored 34 off 37 balls.

Thomas has scored 132 runs at an average of 44 in three innings so far in the CG Super 50 series. He further commented,

“We’ve been playing good cricket for the past two-and-a-half years, so we have to just continue the good work and keep on pushing. This is the second round of the tournament now, the back end, so this is the hardest part and if we keep on playing the cricket we are playing, I think we can go for it.”

The first Test will begin on November 29 in Perth and the second will start on December 8 in Adelaide. Held as part of the ICC World Test Championship, the Test series has been named the prestigious Frank Worrell Trophy in honor of the legendary West Indies captain.

Full squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc) Nkrumah Bonner, Shamar Brooks, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua de Silva, Jason Holder, Alzzari Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillips, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seals, Devon Thomas

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announces the latest legends who join the prestigious list of cricketing greats that make up the ICC Hall of Fame.

The ICC Hall of Fame celebrates the greatest players ever to grace the game throughout its rich history, and these three individuals have all left a lasting legacy through their significant contributions to the sport.

Following a voting process that ICC included Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Charlotte Edwards and Abdul Qadir as the latest legends.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “The ICC Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the iconic individuals that have shaped the history of cricket. Only the very best are honoured in this way and it is wonderful to commemorate the lasting contributions of Shivnarine, Charlotte and Abdul. These three ambassadors of our great game enjoyed tremendous success on the international stage and are richly deserving of their status as ICC Hall of Famers.”

The left-handed Chanderpaul played at the international level for over a 21-year international career and He became the rock of the West Indies batting lineup.

He made his Test debut in 1994 at age 19 against England at Bourda in Guyana.

He played 164 Test matches and scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37, which included 30 centuries and eventually become the second West Indian to reach 10,000 Test runs.

Chanderpaul also excelled in ODIs, amassing 8,778 runs with 11 centuries at an average of 41.60 in 268 outings while in 22 T20 Internationals he made 343 runs.

His first-class career was outstanding with 27,545 runs in 385 matches at an average of over 53. He had 77 centuries including a career-best of 303 not out for Guyana against Jamaica.

On the news of his induction, Chanderpaul commented: “It’s an amazing honour to follow the footsteps of many legends and so many other great cricketers of the past. I’m grateful for the recognition and would like to enjoy the moment with family, friends and most importantly the West Indies cricket fans and fans around the world who passionately supported me throughout my career.”

West Indians previously inducted into The ICC Hall of Fame:

Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Learie Constantine, Joel Garner, Lance Gibbs, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Sir Wes Hall, the Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, George Headley, Michael Holding, Rohan Kanhai, Brian Lara, Sir Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Garry Sobers, Courtney Walsh, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Frank Worrell.

Legendary West Indies batter Vivian Richards, one of the most revered figures in the world of cricket, has joined the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2022 as a brand ambassador.

Issuing a statement, the LPL organizers said it provides a huge boost to the third edition of the tournament which will be played from Tuesday, 6th December to 23rd December 2022.

Vivian Richards played like a king during his whole cricketing career, scoring 8,540 runs in 121 Tests and 6,721 in 187 ODIs. He is excited to go to Sri Lanka, a country where he has always received huge praise and love from cricket fans.

“I am delighted to be the brand ambassador of the third edition of the LPL and want to say that this tournament is unearthing some great talents in Sri Lanka. We saw the power of Sri Lankan cricket in the Asia Cup this year and LPL certainly has a part to play in that success. I have seen the last two editions of this tournament and the quality of cricket was sublime and I am sure that players will maintain it in the upcoming edition as well,” Richards was quoted as saying in a press release from LPL.

He remarked that he gets great love from the Sri Lankan people and loves the country.

“I am really excited to get to Sri Lanka for the upcoming season of the LPL, especially after the way this country and its people have overcome the tough times recently. The upcoming edition of the tournament will also put a smile back on the faces of the people of this great country. I am sure it will be a huge success,” Sir Vivian Richards added.

“We are pleased to announce one of the finest batters of all time, Vivian Richards as Brand Ambassadors for the 2022 LPL. Having someone like Sir Vivian Richards will boost the league and attract more followers from the whole world, and help in our quest to make this tournament a global cricketing attraction. I am really excited to see great Sri Lankan talents on display in the league,” commented Anil Mohan, Chairman of IPG Group and founder of LPL.

Tournament Director of the LPL 2022 Samantha Dodanwela is also delighted with the presence of a legendary figure like Vivian Richards in the tournament.

‘We are excited to have legend Vivian Richards with us in LPL. He is a great ambassador of the game we love and the Sri Lankan cricket is honoured to have him as its guiding light in the tournament. Having him as a brand ambassador will give a much-needed boost to the league as his sheer presence is enough to make a league popular in world cricket,’ said Samantha Dodanwela.

He added, ‘Vivian Richards’ experience and expertise will be valuable for a tournament that has been on a growth path since its inaugural edition conducted two years ago. His involvement in the league can motivate the next generation of Sri Lankan cricket and also uplift the aura of the league.’

The LPL 2022 will see the participation of a number of star international cricketers. The names include Evin Lewis, Carlos Brathwaite, Janneman Malan, Dwaine Pretorius, D’Arcy Short, and Shoaib Malik, among several other players.

The first match of the tournament will be played between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gladiators in Hambantota.

Two-time T20 World Champions, the Caribbean team failed to even qualify for the Super 12 round and came home early in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022.

Many criticized West Indies cricket, pointing out the weaknesses of the administration as well as the poor playing style of the players. Also, captain Sammy, who won the Twenty20 World Cup twice, commented on this defeat of the West Indies team from time to time in various interviews.

Sammy once again spoke about this fate of West Indies cricket in an exclusive interview with PTI.

“It hurts man, it hurts.” Darren Sammy’s eyes were a sad smile when him about the terminal decline of West Indies cricket.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has suffered from financial difficulties in the past and is a small board financially. Therefore, the amount of salary that West Indies players get is much less than that of an Indian A team player. Because of that, many players are more motivated to earn money by playing leagues.

Commenting on this, the former captain said that unlike the BCCI, the West Indies Board of Control can never stop its players from choosing franchise leagues over playing for island nations.

“India is strong because they can tell their players that you don’t play anywhere else. You have to understand that they have the money to back it up,” Sammy told PTI in an exclusive interview on what ails West Indies cricket.”

“An India A list contracted player could probably make a million dollar a year (Rs 7 crore plus match fees plus TV rights money) compared to a Windies A lister, who would earn $150,000 (Rs 1.2 crore roughly).”

“That’s a massive difference and obviously the question of pay (disparity) will always come up. It’s very difficult for smaller boards (in terms of financial might) to keep their players together when they are handsomely paid elsewhere.”

Also, Sammy bluntly said, “Gone are those days when you played for love. Love doesn’t buy you groceries from supermarket.”

Kiwi cricket was in this crisis for some time and now they don’t schedule international cricket during IPL. Sammy says that CWI can learn something from how they operated.

“So, it’s a tough period. I think NZC does it quite well (no international cricket scheduled during IPL). If NZC can do it, it comes down to communication. It’s upto the players and the boards to get a working system.”

“If you say, you are committed to me (player to board or vice versa), then some level of sacrifice has to happen. You can’t be committed to me when nothing else is available for you.”

This year’s World Cup squad was highly controversial and several players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Febian Allen were overlooked. At one point, CWI and Russell exchanged heated conversations.

In a press conference, head coach Phil Simmons stated that players cannot be begged to play. Also, Dr. Desmond Haynes said that according to the information he has gathered, Russell and Narine will not play for the West Indies.

However, Russell and Narayan responded by saying that West Indies are still number one and their aim is to win one or two World Cups in wearing maroon colours.

Sammy was not too happy about seniors like Russell being ignored by the CWI and said that communication is a two-way street and both the players and the CWI need to get on the same page.

“I think it cuts both ways (referring to the communication gap). But one also needs to show the desire to play. Desire is gauged by action.”

“I can say ‘I want to play, I want to play’ but if my actions don’t show that, obviously there will be communication gap,” Sammy said in a message for Russell.”

“I don’t know what kind of communication happened among guys like Russell, Fabien Allen and Cricket West Indies but it wasn’t good enough. But then in CPL we have had young players who have outshone Russell and Co.”

Also he firmly believes that being a star freelancer in global leagues can make you the most sought-after player but there are dangers when playing occasional T20Is for the country.

“I don’t know what motivates them (players) but one thing I know for sure. When West Indies won two T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016, in that phase our domination was because all our top T20 players were still regularly playing international cricket.”

“Some were playing Test matches and a lot of them were playing ODIs. Facing international bowlers was always there.”

“You can play ‘n’ number of leagues but it is hard to play T20 leagues for long time and one fine day appear for your national team and expect that you will create magic. That doesn’t happen.”

“Take the example of Alex Hales. For four years, he faced franchise bowling and as good a player Alex is, at international level, you have three to four bowlers always on song. To play that high level, you have to practice at that high level.”

Sammy, who commented further, said that he can’t even think of a West Indies team that doesn’t even have a Super 12.

“For decades, it was our thing. When we came to T20 World Cups, win or lose, we had that fear factor in our jersey Numbers. The teams knew that they would have to bring their A game.”

“But that’s not the case at the moment. To think of a West Indies team not among the top 12 of a T20 World Cup is unimaginable.”

So, considering that there is a certain pride associated with playing for the flag, it was asked whether playing for Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana at least in T20Is could be a solution and Sammy rejected the idea outright.

“No, I don’t think that will work as West Indies have too much history to be disintegrated into island nations. Also, a practical difficulty is that all the islands don’t have enough quality players to play for the nation.”

West Indies all-rounder Roston Chase and middle-order batsman Shamarh Brooks were on Saturday recalled to the squad for their two-test series in Australia, while former captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s son Tagenarine earned his maiden call-up.

However, there was no room for Rahkeem Cornwall or left-arm finger spinner Gudakesh Motie. Cornwall has been omitted despite being the highest wicket-taker in the four-day championship, with 23 strikes in five matches at an average of 21.47.

That meant Chase, who is returning from an injury, is the only proper spin option in the squad.

West Indies Lead Selector Haynes mentioned that Chase was selected based on experience.

“Roston Chase has returned to the squad as an allrounder and we believe his experience and skillset will be beneficial and Shamarh Brooks has also returned to bolster the middle-order batting,” Haynes said.

In the Press conference yesterday Haynes further clarifies the reason behind not selecting Rahkeem Cornwall or left-arm finger spinner Gudakesh Motie.

“The situation regarding the Roston Chase selection is the fact that and also mentioned about Motie is that we as a panel, we decided that we would go for an off-spinner, and that’s the reason why we did not include Motie in the side. And we believe that Chase was the best person for the job that can do the job for us. And that was what the panel decided” Lead Selector said

When Media Asks if there is consideration given to Rahkeem Cornwall for selection for West indies team,

“There was a group of players that were under consideration for selection, from what I was told from the lead for the panel, and this included Rahkeem. It also included Dominic Drake.” CWI Director Jimmy Adams said

“However, we needed information on not just these two, but the group that was under consideration as well.

And we decided that we wouldn’t make a decision on either player or any of the other players until all the information that was required came in.

And it was not until we had all this information to make a decision, which is why the team didn’t officially go until Friday, because the final meeting was actually held on Friday morning.

So we needed to get information in on these players. Rahkeem Cornwall was one of them. And once this information came in, the panel was able to convene and to select the squad that was selected.” He concluded

John Campbell, who had opened with Brathwaite against Bangladesh in June, was recently handed a four-year ban for violation of an anti-doping rule.

The squad is expected to assemble in Australia on November 10, 20 days ahead of the first Test in Perth.

They will play a three-day warm-up game in Canberra from November 17, followed by a four-day pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI, also in Canberra, from November 23.

The second Test in Adelaide will also be a day-night affair, starting from December 8. The two Tests will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC).

Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-capt), Shamarh Brooks, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Devon Thomas (wk), Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Alzarri Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales