‘Dudes’ stays as chief selector

A long-serving member of the local cricket board, Ramkessoon was defeated for the posts of first and second vice-president at the annual general meeting which was held last month at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.

But at the first meeting of the new board held on Wednesday at the NCC, the former West Indies youth captain found favour with the five officers and the six executive members.

The only new face on the senior selection panel is former TT middle-order batsman, Narine Bidhesi who has replaced ex-national and West Indies all-rounder Bernard Julien who is on regional duty with the West Indies Cricket Board.

The 42-year old Bidhesi played in 11 First-Class matches and has also captained W Connection Wanderers which participates in the National Cricket League.

Former TT and West Indies left-arm spinner Raphick Jumadeen will also sit on the panel. Newly-elected TTCB executive member, Lalman Kowlessar has retained his position as chairman of the Under-19 and Under-17 committees.

He will have Bidhesi and former TT left-handed middle-order batsman Aneil Rajah as his colleagues. Kowlessar will also chair the Under-15 panel, with former TT middle-order batsman Claude Phillip lending support.

However, former TT youth player Narsingh Rambaran has been sacked as manager of the TT Under-19 team.

Rambaran led the team which gave a below-par performance in this year’s TCL West Indies Under-19 Youth Challenge in St Kitts. His place has been taken by executive board member William Wallace.

Despite Rambaran’s departure, former West Indies left-handed batsman Larry Gomes has kept his position as coach of the Under-19 team.

Newly-elected executive member of the TTCB, Colin Borde has replaced Dr Allen Sammy as chairman of the NCL committee.

Sammy will remain on the committee, however, which also comprises Omar Khan, Rajesh Ramphalie, Chanka Ramtahal, Richard Ramkissoon, Allan Ramroop with Sharaz Mohammed as secretary.