Guyana Harpy Eagles selection row explained as Sarwan details discipline issues

At a press conference held at the Georgetown Cricket Club, chief selector Ramnaresh Sarwan addressed concerns surrounding the exclusion of key players, most notably Kevin Sinclair, whose absence had sparked intense discussion across social media.

“Cricketing ability was never the issue”

Sarwan made it clear that Sinclair’s omission was not tied to performance.

“I think it is very important for him to understand what we are trying to do for our group. I don’t think it is viable for him to be disobedient to the captain, disrespectful to the coach and abuse his teammates verbally. Those are the things Kevin has to change… we have spoken to him about these things. Kevin is fully aware of these things and people around Kevin knows about this.”

The former West Indies captain emphasized that the decision was the result of a pattern of behavior rather than a single incident, noting that concerns date back to 2024.

According to Sarwan, the tipping point came during a recent practice match at Everest.

“Since 2024, we have had disciplinary issues with Kevin. His most recent actions at Everest in the second practice match was the reason he was not selected. He walked off the field and was disobedient towards the captain.”

Guyana Harpy Eagles captain Tevin Imlach offered further context, revealing that Sinclair’s departure from the field raised immediate concerns.

“We had to get about three wickets when he went off and changed into his casual clothes and went into the stand. It looked as if he did not plan to come back on the field.”

A pattern of incidents over time

GCB Cricket Operations Officer Anthony D’Andrade outlined a timeline of disciplinary issues, painting a broader picture behind the selector’s decision.

“The first official incident occurred in 2024 in the Super50 in Trinidad. The GCB received a report from the head coach on Kevin’s disruptive behaviour on and off the field.”

He detailed missed meetings, failure to return with the squad, and continued concerns during training camps and subsequent engagements.

Despite these issues, D’Andrade stressed that the board had made efforts to support Sinclair’s development.

“Kevin was selected for the breakout league in January. So this was not a case of him being victimised… Following that meeting, the GCB was comfortable with the progress Kevin had made. He admitted to all of his misdemeanours.”

However, further reports in February and during recent practice sessions suggested the problems persisted.

Support systems being explored

In response to ongoing challenges, the GCB has begun exploring avenues to better support player development beyond technical skills.

“Since then, we have reached out to a sports psychologist in England, but that fell through. We are still looking because we recognise at the GCB that a sports psychologist plays a major part in professional sport,” D’Andrade explained.

He added that the board is working to address the broader pressures athletes face, with the aim of building more complete professionals.

While Sinclair’s case dominated headlines, other omissions also reflected concerns around preparation and engagement.

Head coach Ryan Hercules revealed that he had not heard from Ashmead Nedd since September, despite limited participation in training camps.

Fitness benchmarks also played a role. During a follow-up beep test session, Mavindra Dindyal, who previously fell short, did not attend, reportedly due to illness, while Ricardo Ali-Mohammed was the only player among those tested who failed to meet the required standard.

Several others, including Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, successfully completed the test, though Joseph is expected to join the squad later due to mandated rest from Cricket West Indies.

Selection philosophy: Standards over reputation

As Guyana prepares to face the Windward Islands in Antigua from April 12 in a shortened Regional First-Class campaign, the message from selectors is unmistakable: talent alone is not enough.

The GCB’s stance signals a broader cultural reset, one where professionalism, accountability, and discipline are non-negotiable pillars alongside performance.

For Sinclair and others on the outside, the path back appears clear, but it will require more than runs and wickets to walk it.