By Stephan Sookram

FORMER West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has taken a swipe at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) over its alleged misconduct and mistreatment of players for the recently concluded World T20 tournament.The 35-year-old Guyanese, a former skipper of the Maroon side, stood by current T20 skipper Darren Sammy, whose comments suggested that there are more than words to mince between the board and the players.
During the ICC World Cup T20 winners’ post-match presentation, Sammy, who has now won the tournament twice, lashed out at the WICB over what he deems as ‘disrespect’.
And Sarwan, who succeeded Brian Lara in 2007 as captain of the ODI Team, congratulated both the men and women for their performances but made his support of Sammy in this case crystal clear, saying “I think (Darren) Sammy was spot on in his interview.”
“Over the years, the West Indies board, especially the directors and administrators, whatever you want to call them, tended to do a lot of stuff and get away with it and during the period that I’ve played, we’ve struck a lot trying to highlight those areas that they have erred, and nothing seems to be changing,” continued the player.
He continued his onslaught on the board, saying that overtime they have been utilising the ‘big stick’ approach in dealing with matters and not having proper communication with all stakeholders, including the players.
Sarwan, who is preparing for a return to the Caribbean Premier League this year, with Trinidad Franchise Trinbago Knight Riders contended, “WICB needs to take responsibility for the fall for WI cricket.”
“I don’t think it’s a situation that we are lacking of talent; It’s just that we don’t have the right people managing our cricket; And how long we don’t get that, I don’t think that we will be able to rise again,” said ‘Ronnie’.
“We cannot have so many talented players in the Caribbean and not be in the top four teams in the world, (for Test and ODI),” said Sarwan, who still averages over 40 in both formats.
Known for his precise and confident footwork, the batsman kept in-step on his blitzing of the WICB, especially as it relates to the local administrators, saying “We (Guyana) have a situation where we have not had a proper election (GCB) for four or five years and yet the West Indies Cricket Board is supporting whoever is in charge.”
“If all parties are calling for elections, I don’t see why there shouldn’t be an election (GCB)?” questioned Sarwan.
The Guyanese further showed his support for the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) intervention in West Indies Cricket, saying that for too long, players have been stifled by the Board.
“I like the initiative that CARICOM is taking to try and resolve the problem. I think once CARICOM gets involved and they put their foot down then I think that they will find some sort of solution.”
Sarwan has been very critical of the board with their history dating back to 2011 when he won $161 000 in damages from the WICB following statements about his fitness.