Image Credit- AFP
Following the exclusion of his brother Darren Bravo
from the West Indies ODI squad against England, Dwayne Bravo lashed out at the
selectors, declaring that “the system failed again”.
“When will the BS [sic] stop?! I’m not surprised
by my brother’s non-selection, but with the recent changes in WI cricket
management, I held onto a bit of hope for the better,” Dwayne posted on
Instagram. “This is NOT acceptable, and I just can’t make sense of it! So
here are my burning questions: What’s the criteria for West Indies team
selection? Surely, it can’t be solely based on performance?”
In the just concluded Super50 Cup 2023, which Darren
captained Trinidad & Tobago to victory, he was the top run scorer. Batting
at No. 3, he amassed 416 runs during the competition at an average of 83.20 and
a strike rate of 92.03. He was one of only two players with more than 400 runs
scored. Bravo scored 240 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 76.92
during the 50-over competition previous season, ranking among Trinidad &
Tobago’s top run scorers.
Desmond Haynes, the senior selector for the West
Indies, revealed that Darren, 34, had been left out of the squad after Monday’s
release of the squad in order to provide younger players with more playing time
in anticipation of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“It was a very tough decision for us to make as a
panel,” Haynes said of Darren’s omission. “Darren has proven, not
only this year but last year as well in the Super50 tournament, to be somebody
who has performed well at this level. But we have invested in players like
Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty.
“We also had to take into consideration that the
World Cup 2027 is something that we have got in mind. We believe that we have
invested in these players, and we need to give the opportunity to play against
a very strong England side. That is the reason why Darren has been
omitted.”
Dwayne accused the selection panel of
“mistreatment” and “disrespect” towards players.
“I usually stay away from these discussions, but
the mistreatment, disrespect, and dishonesty towards players over the years
demand a voice. When will it stop?” he wrote.
“To Mr. Desmond Haynes, your statement didn’t
surprise me. It feels like another former player singing for his supper. I
hoped for trust in the system with figures like you, Sammy, and the new
director of cricket, but the system failed again. To my brother, this too shall
pass. Keep your head up, stay focused, and trust in the Almighty.”