By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) has written to Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief selector Roger Harper, questioning the selection policy of CWI, highlighting specifically the metrics, criteria and standards used to select West Indies Test and ODI squads.
In the letter written by acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Abraham Jr and seen by this publication, the board is also questioning the omission of players – Kieran Powell, Sheno Berridge and Devon Thomas to the squads for the tour to Bangladesh next month.
Further, the board has expressed its extreme disappointment in light of the knowledge of the recent statistical facts of the three players, adding that the trio have outperformed some players selected in the recently announced squads by CWI.

Powell was the leading run-scorer in the last Super50, amassing 525 runs at an average of 58.33 with two 50s and two 100s. Berridge was the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an average of 18.52 and an economy rate of 4.96, while Thomas, who also performed creditably, scored 368 runs at an average of 46.00 with three 50s and one century.
The letter was copied to Ricky Skerritt, president; Kishore Shallow, vice-president; Johnny Grave, Chief Executive Officer and Miles Bascombe, Selector.
Meanwhile Mr Harper says Powell remains unavailable for selection after failing to make the team’s fitness Standard.

“Mr. Powell has performed very well; he was the leading run-scorer for the Super50 competition but he is yet to meet the fitness standard,” Harper told Mason and Guest radio programme.
Meanwhile, last Tuesday CWI named their squads for the tour which comprises three ODIs and two Tests in Chattogram and Dhaka.
Ten Windies players have declined the opportunity to tour due to COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears. Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran have all opted out, while Fabian Allen and Shane Dowrich are unavailable due to personal reasons.
The Test squad will be led by the experienced Kraigg Brathwaite, with Jermaine Blackwood as vice-captain. Former Trinidad & Tobago and West Indies A captain Jason Mohammed will lead the ODI team with Sunil Ambris as his deputy.

Kavem Hodge, the right-handed top-order batsman, has earned a maiden call-up to the Test squad, while left-handed opener Shayne Moseley and all-rounder Kyle Mayers will also be touring in the Test squad for the first time, after making trips to England and New Zealand as reserves earlier this year. Mayers made his T20I debut against New Zealand last month.
Two players have earned their first ODI call-ups – all-round left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, and Kjorn Ottley, a left-handed top-order batsman.
The West Indies touring party should arrive in Dhaka on January 10 and the series will run until February 15.

West Indies Test Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer, Jomel Warrican.
West Indies ODI Squad: Jason Mohammed (captain), Sunil Ambris (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.