‘To the maroon fans’

EVEN AS a smattering of people interested in cricket’s fortunes have been left flummoxed at Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) decision to replace Jamaica’s Rovman Powell as captain of the region’s T20 team, the player has displayed some amount of grace on exit.

“West Indies cricket is of great importance to not just myself, but the people of the Caribbean. Leading West Indies was an honour and something I will forever be proud of,” said Powell.

Chief among those criticising the decision has been Dwayne Bravo, who has pointed to the turnaround of the T20 team under the leadership of Powell.

The Jamaican has been replaced with One-Day International captain Shai Hope.

Powell, who took over captaincy of the West Indies in 2023, took a team ranked ninth in the world and was sacked with the team ranked third.

Bravo called the decision wrong, in no uncertain terms.

“Once again, you guys prove to the people of the Caribbean and the cricket world that the injustices towards players continues!” he said.

“As a former player and a fan of West Indies cricket, this is easily one of the worst decisions ever made,” Bravo added.

However, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has said Powell’s mandate was to make West Indies a cup-winning team and not just a series-winning team.

Bravo is not sympathetic or empathetic towards Sammy’s decision.

“Rovman Powell took over captaincy when our T20 team was ranked in the ninth spot and was able to move us up to third in the rankings, and this is how you guys repay him?”

“The bad treatment towards players, when will it stop? This is so sad on all levels…make it make sense!”

However, Powell was more pleasant aout the decision.

“I would like to thank CWI for the opportunity to lead over the last two years,” he said, before turning to what he has called good support during the period.

“To the players, a special thank you for the support from the very first day to the last day as your captain. During the duration of my captaincy, we have made incredible strides, moving from ninth to third in the world, something we can be tremendously proud of.

“To the maroon fans and all lovers of West Indies cricket, my family and I thank you all for your support.”