ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Former Leeward Islands Hurricanes captain Devon Thomas’s participation in the Professional Cricket League (PCL) remained in doubt after the player confirmed this week he was still without a team for the upcoming first class season.Thomas told the Antigua Observer newspaper that contrary to media reports, he had not opted out of his Hurricanes contract but had discovered he had not been one of the ten protected players for the draft.
He subsequently entered the draft but was not selected by any of the six franchises. Under tournament rules, he can only play under a pay-as-you-play arrangement.
“I was the captain and why would I want to give up that job? I spoke to the coach (Reginald Benjamin) and I spoke to the president (Auckland Hector), but I am just hoping that I can be a part of the Leeward Islands,” the out-of-favour West Indies wicketkeeper explained.
“I can’t be one of the contracted players because they have 15 players at this time, so I am just waiting until the sixth of November which is the first game.”
Hurricanes struggled badly last season to finish last but Thomas managed to score 473 runs, to be the only batsman to pass the 400-run barrier.
In fact, it was the 25-year-old’s unbeaten 99 in the penultimate round of matches which ensured Hurricanes of one of their two wins of the season – a four-wicket victory over Jamaica at Warner Park.
Thomas, who has played 21 One-Day Internationals, said he was ensuring he remained fit in the meantime.
“I am just playing some taped ball in the meantime, trying to keep fit still because I have a good form from since the last few games with the Leeward Islands and the CPL,” he said.
Guyana Jaguars are the defending PCL champions.