Powell turns down Shell offer ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, CANA: WEST Indies batsman, Ricardo Powell has turned down a late offer to attend the Shell Cricket Academy (SCA) now underway at St. George's University in Grenada. Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Gregory Shillingford said yesterday Powell was grateful for the opportunity but had indicated he will be playing league cricket in England this summer. Shillingford explained the board had decided to invite Powell to participate in the SCA's inaugural three-month programme after he was not selected among the 22 players chosen for the training camp for the West Indies' upcoming tour to Zimbabwe and Kenya. "We felt that a young talented player like Ricardo could benefit from this experience and we felt the opportunity should be made available to him although we had already announced the 24 players, who would be in the Shell Cricket Academy," Shillingford said. In thanking the WICB, St. George's University and Shell for the invitation, Powell indicated his alternative plans were finalised shortly after he learnt he would not be in the West Indies training camp. "I appreciate this gesture by all parties involved with the Shell Cricket Academy, especially considering that the programme had already started. I wish I could have accepted but I had made plans to play cricket and train in England this summer," Powell said.
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