Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032252682000.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘Value national commitment’

Port-of-Spain: The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has reminded captain Chris Gayle along with Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of their “responsibility to value national commitment” ahead of the Indian Premier League, which is coinciding with Australia’s tour of the Caribbean.

The WICB had expressed concern after Gayle, Sarwan and Chanderpaul refused to confirm their availability for the first two Tests against Australia.

“Our best players have a responsibility to value their commitment to West Indies cricket and the West Indian public ahead of any relationship they have with the IPL,” WICB Chief Donald Peters said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“We fully expect them to be ready to play against Australia in all Test and ODI matches,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gayle said he would confirm his availability for the first two Tests against Australia after the series against Sri Lanka.

“I am not in the right frame of mind to answer that question right now. I still have to speak to some people. The world will get an answer soon,” Gayle said.

“At the moment, everybody is just speculating. But I will probably make my announcement after the series against Sri Lanka,” he added. — PTI