Gov't dissatisfied with WICB’s decision to axe Chanderpaul and Sarwan

Subsequent to the announcement by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) that Guyanese stalwart cricketers Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan were among the players who were omitted from the One Day International (ODI) squad to play against Pakistan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony wrote to the Chairman of the Board of Selectors asking them to outline their selection criteria in a bid to understand the rationale behind their selection (omission). Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon, at a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President yesterday, said Cabinet was dissatisfied with the entire situation and stated that the WICB’s response, “did not reflect the outrage that cricket lovers in the region felt over the omission of their cricketing stalwarts.”
Minister Anthony’s letter was responded to by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WICB, Ernest Hilaire who stated that the reaction to the non-selection of Chanderpaul and Sarwan has been unnecessarily extreme but it speaks to the passion which exists in Guyana for the cricket, a fact which has always been recognized and appreciated by the WICB.
Notwithstanding this however, Government is encouraging Guyanese participation and continued interest in the evolution of cricket in the West Indies and Guyana.
Moreover, Government welcomes fully, the Pakistani team for the one-day match to be held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.