MUMBAI – West Indies’ chances in the five-match One-Day International series against India starting on Wednesday has been dealt a severe blow, with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) withdrawing champion off-spinner Sunil Narine from the 14-man squad.
The move comes after the Trinidadian right-armer was twice reported for having a suspected illegal action during the Champions League Twenty20 and was subsequently banned from bowling in the tournament.
A replacement for Narine is expected to be named shortly with either of left-arm spinners Sulieman Benn or Nikita Miller widely expected to fill the breach.
In a release late Friday night, the WICB said the decision to withdraw Narine from the tour was taken after discussions with the player, the selection panel and the West Indies team management, and said the time off would allow the bowler the opportunity to have his action assessed.
Chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd said he was “disappointed” by the latest development which saw Narine reported by umpires following Kolkata Knight Riders’ final preliminary CLT20 game last Monday and then following Thursday’s semi-final.
Lloyd, the legendary former West Indies captain, said West Indies were requesting “clarity” on the situation so the team could plan their way forward.
“I am disappointed that our best bowler could suddenly be out of the tour. I am quite disappointed about the procedure that surrounded the ‘calling’ of Sunil in the Champions [League] tournament,” Lloyd said.
“These things have the potential to disrupt the team’s preparation for a critical series against India but we will have to overcome this hurdle.”
“We would like some clarity from the authorities on what led to the present situation and the details as we move forward. I think there must be a better way of doing the right things,” he added.
The 26-year-old Narine is ranked two number two in both the ICC one-day and Twenty20 world rankings. (CMC).
