Don’t assume I ought to be begging individuals to play for West Indies, says coach Phil Simmons

West Indies have been grappling with the problem of their star gamers selecting franchise-based leagues over nationwide responsibility, however head coach Phil Simmons says there’s nothing a lot he or the nationwide cricket board can do about it.

West Indies had been hammered 1-4 at house by India because the Nicholas Pooran-led aspect missed a number of the key stars, together with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine who’ve been enjoying franchise-based leagues throughout the globe. Evin Lewis and Oshane Thomas haven’t appeared for his or her health checks, whereas Sheldon Cottrell, Fabian Allen and Roston Chase are all out with accidents.

Notably, Russell final performed for the West Indies on the T20 World Cup final yr whereas Narine has not been thought-about since 2019.

“I don’t think that I should be begging people to play for the West Indies,” Phil Simmons stated, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

The former opener expressed his disappointment even because the board struggles to house in on their finest squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with most cricketers both enjoying franchise league elsewhere or out injured.

“It hurts. There’s no other way to put it. But what can you do? I don’t think that I should be begging people to play for their countries. I think if you want to represent West Indies, you will make yourself available,” he added.

“Life has changed, in that people have the opportunities to go different places and if they choose that over West Indies, that’s just how it is,” he added.

West Indies, who suffered a disappointing marketing campaign within the UAE final yr, will face New Zealand in 3 T20Is at house in what will likely be their remaining tune-up for the T20 World Cup.

‘RUSSELL IS UNAVAILABLE’

However, chief selector Desmond Haynes confirmed that Andre Russell hasn’t made himself obtainable for choice.

“From what I have gathered, I think he is unavailable because he hasn’t made himself available,” Haynes stated.

“I will love everyone to play for West Indies. I would love to make sure that all the guys make themselves available to play,” Haynes added.

“But you must realise that the guys have options now, and if guys are choosing other franchises in front of West Indies, then we have to pick from who is available to us.”

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