Players, CWI relationship still troubled: Khan

Former West Indies manager Omar Khan believes that the latest selection fracas involving key senior players reflects a continued breakdown in the relationship between players and Cricket West Indies (CWI).

His comments came after it was announced on Thursday that Darren Bravo, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell had declined selection for the upcoming ICC World Cup Qualifiers in order to participate in the Pakistan Super League.

But while CWI chief executive Johnny Grave called the players' decision "hugely disappointing", Khan said that the situation pointed to ongoing issues that required resolution.

"I think there is still that situation where the communication and the relationship between players and the board is not where it is supposed to be," Khan told the NewsDay publication.

"There is a big gap in the relationship, and I am hoping that proper, genuine, meaningful dialogue between both parties [can occur] as we go forward [to] try and solve those issues."

WI WANTED STRONGEST SIDE

West Indies selectors were hoping to have their strongest side available for the March 4-25 tournament in Zimbabwe as the Caribbean side seeks to secure one of the remaining two spots available for the 2019 World Cup in England.

However, chief selector Courtney Browne said that when the four players were contacted, they indicated that they "were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League."

Khan said that it was disappointing that the breakdown had resulted in the two parties unable to find common ground.

- CMC