Ganga in WI captaincy stakes

His nomination last night, when the selectors met at the Emerald Apartments and Plaza in St Augustine was reported to have caused much debate.

The selectors under Convenor Michael "Joey" Carew, former Trinidad and Tobago captain and opening batsman were meeting to select a captain for the tour to New Zealand next month, as well the 16-member team for the Test and one day series.

Other items said to be discussed were the Future Tours Programme as well as retainer contracts, and the elite players to benefit.

It is understood however that the West Indies Cricket Board and the WI Players’ Association are still to agree on the financial details and the number of players to get retainer contracts.

Carew who is based in Trinidad and Tobago was joined by West Indies coach Bennett King and they have been conducting a strategic planning meeting with the TT Cricket Board. Also attending the meeting last night was former West Indies off-spinner Clyde Butts of Guyana.

The meeting has developed into a major turning point based on the high expectation that Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be removed as captain after his poor run of ten defeats in his last 12 Tests at the helm.

Speculation surrounds the appointment of the captain with many divided between removing Chanderpaul and having him replaced by Wavell Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan or Daren Ganga.

Brian Lara has stated that he is not interested in the post and is out of the running although efforts may be made to convince him to change his mind if an agreement cannot be reached by the selectors on the likely candidates.

But, there is not much chance of that happening reports indicate.

The meeting comes on the heels of a protest by the Guyana Cricket Board over the fact, that too much money is being paid to King and his assistants. The monies paid are is in excess of US$1 million a year.

The Guyanese officials state that results of the team do not justify the astronomical salaries.

Questions have also been raised over the reporting guidelines of King and his team, with the suggestion that he is accountable to no one.

Under the current setup of West Indies cricket, it would appear that King and his team are required to report to West Indies team manager Tony Howard.