Drakes knocks WICB

Former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder Vasbert Drakes has lashed out at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) over its eligibility policy which has kept him out of international cricket.

Describing the situation as a bit sad, he said the board's policy is out-dated and off-based.

The matter surrounds Drakes and fellow Barbadian all-rounder Ottis Gibson, who both play professionally in South Africa.

The South African season clashes with the regional first-class season and WICB rules state that players must be available for the regional programme to gain selection for the West Indies.

'It's a bit sad to see you have someone capable of playing Test cricket in an era when the team was struggling, and yet he can't get a chance,' said Drakes, who played five One-Day Internationals against Australia during their 1995 tour of the Caribbean.

'I was left in a situation where I tried to be optimistic but with the present structure and management (of the WICB), it is very difficult to keep up much hope.

'I have not given up hope, but I would say I'm out of the frame.

'If the present ruling carries on it will be impossible for me to get in.'

Drakes, who for the past two seasons won the Player-Of-The-Year award with Border Cricket Union in the SuperSport tournament, is back home relaxing with his son Dominic and Barbadian wife Sharon.

He said he chose to play in South Africa because that was where he was sure of selection rather than hang around and hope to be picked by the West Indies selectors.

'In the West Indies to have an income from cricket you must be representing the West Indies,' said the 30-year-old, who also had stints in county cricket with Sussex and Nottinghamshire.

'Even then, there is no guarantee of selection. This does not give a player much confidence - the way you see players being treated now and the way some of the greats were treated in the past.'

He said the WICB should graduate into the 21st century and come clean to the public and explain the way their affairs are handled.

He cited the recent mix-up over a 17th player for the current tour of England.

Drakes would, however, be willing to be of service to local cricket, but said he would not want to rob a younger player from gaining selection to the Barbados team.

'I would play for Barbados, providing I am wanted by the West Indies. Other than that I would just be robbing a youngster of an opportunity and experience,' said the well-built six-footer.

'However, if I was approached by the Barbados Cricket Association to contribute some of my knowledge and experience I would be willing to contribute to my country.'

The former St. Lucy schoolboy, whose nephews Ryan and Anthony Hurley also wore national colours, is at home for an extended period for the first time in 13 years.