Adams surprised, but understanding of Pollard’s shock retirement

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, has said that the retirement of West Indies white-ball captain, Kieron Pollard, just over a week ago, was surprising to him but after interactions with the veteran all-rounder, he understood the reason.

The 34-year-old announced his decision on social media during the ongoing Indian Premier League and it sent shockwaves throughout the fraternity.

“After careful deliberation, I’ve today decided to retire from international cricket,” Pollard wrote on Instagram.

Pollard went on to call captaining West Indies “the highest honour bestowed” on him and that he led with “passion, openness, courage, and everything I could ever possibly give both on and off the field without ever compromising my principles and integrity.”

Adams, on a recent visit to Guyana, expressed some disbelief when he initially heard the news, but wished Pollard well in his future endeavours.

“I was a little bit surprised he was choosing to retire now, but after having a conversation with him, I totally understand his reasons. And, like most people in the Caribbean, I wish him all the very best in whatever ventures he goes into, whatever cricket he has left in him. I wish him all the success possible,” the Director of Cricket related to News Room Sport.

With the T20 World Cup coming up later this year in Australia and the 50-over World Cup next year in India, CWI will now have to pick a new captain in both formats.

Outside of Nicholas Pooran, who has captained both white-ball teams in the past, Shai Hope, who deputised the 50-over team, is another option, among the understudies.

But the deeper issue is a lack of grooming of future leaders, something which Adams said he hopes the Regional tournaments can cultivate.

“Well that is something we look very heavily at our regional tournament; our regional tournaments will give us an indication, and not just senior tournaments but our junior tournaments, as to who (are the) potentially short-term and long term leadership candidates.”

The Director of Cricket did not disclose any names of potential future leaders, only noting that is in the hands of the selection panel.