West Indies’ ace spinner Sunil Narine faces possible exclusion from the Test team if he plays the IPL final for KKR, thereby failing to meet the deadline to join the international side’s camp latest by June 1.
The West Indies is scheduled to play its first Test of a series against New Zealand in Kingston, Jamaica, from June 8.
“It is his decision,” WICB’s CEO Michael Muirhead said. “The cut-off date for joining the camp was moved forward from May 22 to June 1 specifically to allow those players involved in the IPL the opportunity for more matches. Anyone who is in breach won’t be considered for selection,” said Muirhead.
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However, Narine will remain in the squad of 15, and be eligible for playing in the remainder of the series.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore requested a bit of flexibility on the part of WICB.
“This is in no way an act of defiance by Sunil,” he said. “He is seeking the board’s flexibility for a couple of days’ leeway so that he can turn out for KKR on Sunday. He has told us that he came to do a job and wants to see it through to its conclusion. He also wants to represent West Indies against New Zealand. You can understand the quandary that he is in.”
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Our Principal Correspondent adds:
Meanwhile, KKR bowling coach Wasim Akram weighed in on the issue, stating that keeping Narine away from West Indies duty is more a loss for the side than the bowler.
With KKR confirming Narine will feature in Sunday’s IPL final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, it could mean that he could be ignored for the first Test. “It’s a loss for West Indies and not for Sunil Narine,” Akram said. “He’s only 25 and a phenomenal bowler.He’s the best in the business.”