Ganga questions the commitment of a player in Bangladesh to pull out

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Former Test batsman Daren Ganga believes West Indies players need to exercise greater faith in the opinion of West Indies Cricket (CWI) instead of pulling out of the trip to Bangladesh.
While agreeing that players have the right to make their own decisions, Ganga said the CWI medical panel has assessed the risks to player safety in the upcoming series and given the all-clear, in the midst of the COVID pandemic- 19 continuous.
The former Trinidad and Tobago captain highlighted a lack of commitment on the part of players, arguing that West Indies cricket needed “concerted effort” on their part.

“Now, most of all, it’s a joint effort required of the players,” Ganga told CNC3 TV here.
“Yes, it has been a challenging year (last year), West Indies have had to pick a different team to go to Bangladesh (this year). It’s not a normal year so I don’t think you can judge the players.
“Every person is different in terms of assessment of his or her situation but… there is still a need for some commitment towards West Indies cricket, which I don’t think many of us see. That’s where I like to point my fingers – in that direction. ”

He continued: “Players need to show more commitment to West Indies cricket. CWI made a reconnaissance trip to Bangladesh and Dr Akshai Mansingh, who headed the medical panel on that actual trip, cleared Bangladesh as a safe environment for an international trip.
“And you have to trust the organization that governs the game in the region.”
Ten first-choice players declined to be selected for the Test and International One-Day series in Bangladesh with CWI citing “COVID-19-related personal concerns or fears” as the reason behind their decisions.

The group was led by Test skipper Jason Holder and white ball captain Kieron Pollard, and included the likes of Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran.
Ganga, now a respected television analyst, said that bold decisions were needed not only by CWI but by players as well.
“I really want to see a little more commitment on the part of players and I also respect the right of an individual player but if we are to challenge the fate of West Indies cricket, we need to make bold decisions,” he argued.

“Not just as an administrative body, but the players themselves need to show that commitment. Not just on the field but off the field as it is about making them available. ”
The 41-year-old Ganga, who played 48 Tests and 35 One-Day Internationals, said the past year has been another disappointing one for the West Indies, especially with the recent dire results in New Zealand where they lost ‘ The T20 and Test series are comprehensive.
“You felt there was a lot of room for improvement. In the last tour of New Zealand I was expecting the West Indies to win at least a T20 series – that didn’t happen, ”Ganga noted.
“I was expecting more competition in terms of the two Test matches played – it got worse in the second Test match.
“There were some bright lights – Joshua DaSilva making his first appearance, Chemar Holder getting a chance to appear as well. It’s not going to change overnight – the fate of West Indies cricket. ”

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