Cricket Australia came to the rescue of West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan during the Australian tour of 2009, by paying for his MRI scan. This information came from the batsman, while he was giving evidence in his arbitration matter before Seenath Jairam SC. Sarwan won his arbitration matter against the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and was awarded $1M. The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) had taken up the matter for Sarwan after he was not offered a central retainer contract for the 2010/11 period, as he was told the WICB had issues with his fitness and commitment to the team. The right-hander stated that it was strange to hear of concerns of the WICB with regard to his fitness, since they were fully aware that he had sustained a back injury during the October/November 2009 tour of Australia, while attempting to catch a ball during an official training session with the West Indies team before the first Test.
Sarwan was diagnosed by the team's physiotherapist and thereafter treated for back spasms. The Guyanese added that after receiving this treatment, he still experienced severe back pains and insisted on being seen by a doctor.
He was eventually sent to a doctor who recommended a particular injection and a CT scan. The CT scan was performed and he received the injection. After getting slight relief he missed the first Test but played in the second and third.
Sarwan further testified that during the third Test, the pain from the injury got worse and he requested an MRI scan. The request was made to the team management and was refused because the WICB opted not to pay for the service. He was in acute pain and insisted on having the MRI done, even if he had to pay for it himself. Cricket Australia eventually paid for it. On the point of attitude towards his fitness, Sarwan stated that three weeks after the tour he travelled to Florida, USA and at his own expense, received treatment for the injuries four times a week for a period of six weeks. While in Florida, Sarwan said he maintained regular contact with chairman of selectors Clyde Butts who advised him to play the last two regional games. His doctor advised him not to take the chance and play in only the final game. He went on to score a century for Guyana in that match. He added that Butts told him to miss the T20 games against Zimbabwe so that he could play in the limited overs series, which he did.
He went on to state that prior to match against Ireland in 2010, he participated in an optional 10-day camp and received kudos from coach Otis Gibson for his level of commitment in all areas of training. Gibson did not testify before the arbitrator to refute the claims. Sarwan satisfied all the fitness requirements required by the WICB trainer and physiotherapist after the Ireland series in 2010. Then came the home series against South Africa in which Sarwan played and got injured. He said he immediately spoke to Gibson and the physiotherapist and enquired where he would be getting medical treatment. Gibson told him he will receive it in Barbados. Sarwan then said he contacted Gibson to find out whether arrangements were made for the treatment and he was told by him that it is not his department and advised Sarwan to check with the physiotherapist. At this point the arbitrator said if he accepted Sarwan's version then there seems to be an obvious disconnect between the board and its players. Due to the nature of the injury, Sarwan flew to Canada for treatment at the cost of CAD $3,500. He then worked with great determination to get himself fit and ready in the shortest possible time. He went on to further state that during the period January to May 2011 he was selected by the WICB and played in several tournaments yet he was not offered a retainer for the 2010-2011 period and was told by Butts that there were concerns over his fitness and attitude.
WICB UNDER THE MICROSCOPE CONTINUES TOMORROW.
