Shiv hits out
Veteran WI left-hander says his treatment is a bad sign for younger players
RDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC): ETIRED VETERAN left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul believes his recent shabby treatment at the hands of selectors is a worrying sign for the younger generation of West Indies cricketers.
The prolific 41-year-old was sacked last May ahead of Australia’s two-Test tour of the Caribbean, with selectors contending he had suffered a “rapid” decline in form.
Chanderpaul said having not been given the opportunity to “retire properly” following a long career for West Indies, sent a negative message to up-and-coming players.
“I wanted one last opportunity to play against Australia before signing off, but (I) can’t do anything about it. (I) just want to put that behind (me),” Chanderpaul said here.
“I got the NOC to play in Masters Champions League (MCL) after retiring from international cricket. Having played for so long, I feel I should have been treated well. If a player (like me) is treated like that, then think how the younger generation will be treated.”
He added: “Being treated like ordinary schoolboys. Nobody would come and say that you like so and so. You are always treated that way. These things will happen.”
REWARDING CAREER
Chanderpaul enjoyed an illustrious 164-Test career, garnering 11,867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 centuries. His stellar record left him second on the all-time West Indies run-scorers list behind former batting star Brian Lara with 11,953 runs.
He suffered a run of low scores, however, managing 91 runs in three Tests on the 2014-15 tour of South Africa and 92 runs in a similar three-Test series during England’s tour of the Caribbean last April.
In the two series prior, he compiled 270 runs in two Tests against Bangladesh without being dismissed and averaged 48 in three Tests against touring New Zealand.
Despite the dip in form, Chanderpaul believed he still had more Tests runs in him.
“I thought I could have gone on for a while, given more series and retired properly,” the Guyanese explained.
He added: “It’s been a great run throughout the two decades. I am thankful for all the opportunities I got. I enjoyed playing all the formats for that long.”
Chanderpaul, who made his debut as a 19year-old 22 years ago against England in his hometown Georgetown, said his career had been a rewarding one.
“(It) probably could have been better in some areas, (but) my career has been great since I was a schoolkid. Then there were things you expect from certain people, but sometimes you have to put things behind and look ahead,” he noted.
“I don’t know (if there are any regrets). I have always played the game with passion. I have enjoyed it. I don’t know if I have any regrets.”
Chanderpaul is here to play in the inaugural MCL where he will turn out for Gemini Arabians.
Lara is also participating in the tournament as captain of Leon Lions, with past stars such as Australian Adam Gilchrist, Muttiah Muralitharan and Jacques Kallis also involved.
“It’s been great. All these guys from different parts of the world are here and most of them are legends, some really good players, and I am happy to play alongside them,” said Chanderpaul.