Irony of all ironies

During the recent arbitration matter between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Ramnaresh Sarwan the irony of all ironies was revealed. Sarwan, who was not offered a retainer contract for the period 2010-2011 by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for what they termed an indifferent attitude and approach to physical fitness and preparation, was chosen by the West Indies selectors as “cricketer of the year”  at the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) awards ceremony in 2010. The adjudicators of the award were West Indies selectors chairman Clyde Butts, Robert Haynes and Raphick Jumadeen. Sarwan was celebrated as the best batsman for the 2009 period, yet he was out of a central retainer contract. The WICB made a statement trying to explain why Sarwan was not offered a retainer contract and according to arbitrator Seenath Jairam SC, they breached Article VII (e) (ii) of the Memorandum of Understanding between the board and WIPA.

 

The sub-article provides that members of the selection panel will not make public comments that denigrate a player, other members of the selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). WIPA’s lawyers during their presentation before the arbitrator attached Points of Claim in the form of media releases which carried details of what the selectors had said in defence of the board not offering Sarwan a retainer contract. Butts under cross-examination admitted that the said words denigrated Sarwan. Sarwan also claimed that there was never a retraction of the statement made by the WICB and in a world that is so connected now because of Internet facilities, it would have damaged his reputation internationally. 

 

Sarwan indicated that with many opportunities opening up all over the world to play, this impacted negatively on him. He said after the public release by the board, members of the public made comments to him. People asked him if he thought he was getting too big for game and when he would go out in Guyana at night clubs people would comment on his alleged attitude. Some Web sites also made specific comments on the statement of the WICB and Sarwan felt embarrassed by these inquiries and comments from the public.

 

WICB UNDER THE MICROSCOPE CONTINUES TOMORROW