BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Darren Sammy said commitment to Windward Islands and West Indies have forced him to opt out of the Bangladesh Twenty20 Premier League next month.
The heavily-maligned West Indies captain had his options picked up for US$55,000 in the BPL auction on Thursday by the Sylhet Royals.
He said however, that he informed the franchise yesterday that he would have to turn down their offer due to clashing schedules with regional and West Indies matches.
“I am both humbled and honoured by this recognition of me as a professional cricketer,” said Sammy in a media statement issued through the West Indies Cricket Board.
“I have discussed with my family and given much thought and consideration to the offer and regrettably I have informed the BPL and the Sylhet Royals that I am unable to accept it at this stage.”
Sammy said he would remain in the Caribbean to play for Windwards in the Regional 4-Day tournament, which begins on February 3. The BPLT20 opens a week later.
“While I enjoyed playing cricket in front of the enthusiastic and passionate Bangladeshi fans the BPL’s schedule clashes with that of the Regional 4-Day tournament,” he said.
“Participating in the BPL would mean missing the first four rounds of the Regional 4-Day.”
He added: “The West Indies will host Australia starting mid-March and it will be a tough and challenging (home) series.
“I have decided that it would be best for me to participate in the Regional 4-Day in order that I am properly and fully prepared for the challenges of the series against Australia.”
Sammy said he also felt strongly about his decision based on the progress that the Windwards side have shown in regional competitions of late.
The St Lucian all-rounder led the sub-regional side into the semi-finals of the ongoing Caribbean T20 tournament which is drawing to a close here.
“Windwards cricket is blossoming and making significant strides and we are playing consistently well,” he said.
“My contributions as captain and all-rounder are integral to this process and I am keen on serving my team as we continue to grow.”
He said: “I look forward to playing before the Bangladeshi fans in the future at a time which is mutually convenient.”
“Once again I offer my regret at not being able to take up the opportunity on this occasion and ask that there be understanding for the decision I have taken based on the reasons outlined.”
Estranged West Indies opener Chris Gayle led a list of 11 players that were picked up in the BPLT20 auction.
The others are: Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Fidel Edwards, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.