GCB expresses “bewilderment” over Permaul’s non-selection

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has expressed “bewilderment” over the non-selection of Veerasammy Permaul in the West Indies 25-man squad for three Test matches against England, the first of which starts on July 8.

“In fact, the GCB finds Permaul’s omission from a Windies squad of 25 very disturbing and as a result, the President of the GCB has since written to Johnny Grave, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies, requesting a logical explanation.”

A squad of 14 players and a list of 11 reserves were announced by Cricket West Indies this week, minus Permaul, the leading wicket-taker in the 2019-2020 Regional Four-Day Championship.

Permaul took 50 wickets in eight games this season and has 290 wickets in 55 games over the last six seasons of the Four-Day Championship.

Below is the full statement issued by GCB president Fizul Bacchus on Friday evening.

The Guyana Cricket Board hereby expresses its bewilderment on the omission of Veerasammy Permaul from the Windies upcoming tour of England. Permaul’s outstanding performances over the years have spoken for itself, and the GCB perceives performances as the strongest criteria for selection.

In so doing, the GCB acknowledges that Permaul’s performances year after year have not only been exceptional, but unquestionable; and as such we are of the opinion that he should have been selected in the Windies squad.

In fact, the GCB finds Permaul’s omission from a Windies squad of 25 very disturbing and as a result, the President of the GCB has since written to Johnny Grave, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies, requesting a logical explanation.

The GCB implores Veerasammy Permaul to stay motivated and committed and wishes him continued success in his cricket endeavors.

Yours sincerely,

Fizul Bacchus

President