Disappointed Darren Sammy slams West Indies Cricket Board for creating a 'mess'
Two-time World T20 winning captain Darren Sammy has slammed the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the team’s disastrous performances against Pakistan in the UAE and admitted that the likes of Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite have a massive task on their hands if the side are to get out from the ‘mess’ that they find themselves in. The 32-year old attributed the slump in all formats to the board’s decision to sack coach Phil Simmons.
Sammy rued, “It’s disappointing but not surprising. It’s been a trend of how my former employers operate. It was sad. They (WICB) will say it (Simmons’ sacking) did not have an effect on the team. But from the pictures being posted on social media, I could tell my team was not in a happy mood.“
While their Test fortunes have been in a continuous state of free-fall, West Indies’ disastrous displays in the T20I series, as well as ODI series wherein they were whitewashed 0-3 in both by Pakistan, has raised question marks surrounding their set-up. Shortly before they were to embark to UAE for the tour, coach Simmons was axed by WICB due to ‘differences in culture and strategic approach‘.
Sammy sacked from captaincy
Incidentally, Sammy had been forced out of the T20I squad in the aftermath of their successful World T20 campaign in India earlier this year. During the final post-match presentation, the all-rounder had lashed out at WICB for leaving the players ‘disrespected’ in a hard-hitting speech. He was eventually sacked from captaincy as the selectors felt that his personal performances did not merit selection.
Also read: Kieron Pollard blasts WICB following axing from ODI squad for Zimbabwe tri-series
Looking back at the eventful night at the Eden Gardens, Sammy claimed, “Put me on that podium again and I will do it even better. I believe a man has to speak his heart. It was just an extension of what my team went through flowing from me. I am still on a high. I refuse to let people dictate my mood. It is disappointing to win a World T20 and you’ve not played international cricket after that. To remove the winning World Cup coach, it’s just a mess.”
He added, “I just hope and pray that our youngsters are not burdened by the decisions taken at the top. We have two young captains in Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite. They must be under some serious pressure. I have been through it and it’s not an easy job.“
After being completely outplayed in the Test series as well, West Indies have only pride to play for when the final match against Pakistan begins at Sharjah on Sunday. However, the Caribbean outfit face a seemingly insurmountable challenge if they are to salvage something from what has been a miserable tour for them.