Statement on Marlon Samuels by Roger Brathwaite, acting CEO

The Executive Committee of the West Indies Cricket Board has reviewed the report of Dr. Akshai Mansingh, a member of the WICB's Medical Panel, and is supporting the decision taken by the West Indies' selectors to withdraw Marlon Samuels from the team for the Cricket World Cup 2003 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

The WICB shares the disappointment that Marlon, his family and, indeed, all West Indian supporters must now feel over his exclusion from the touring party. As a Board, we were keenly looking forward to Marlon's contribution to the team's performance at the highest level of limited-overs cricket. We must, however, support the selectors' decision that was taken in the long-term interest of this very talented young cricketer.

From our review of Dr. Mansingh's report together with the selectors' acute understanding of the rigours of a Cricket World Cup, we have concluded that the selectors could not have, in good conscience, committed Marlon to the most pressured and demanding environment in world cricket at this time.

In his report, Dr. Mansingh said that he was "amazed at the size of the defect" in Marlon's knee and assessed that there was progressive damage recommending surgery at the earliest opportunity with recovery estimated to take about a year.

While Dr. Mansingh did say that Marlon could go to the World Cup, his statement was prefaced by several conditions and warnings of possible detrimental outcomes.

The WICB would have had to ensure that Marlon protected the knee in training which would have to be limited to swimming and soft terrain, gentle exercises, Marlon would have to be closely monitored by medical personnel, and the doctor anticipated that medication to control discomfort felt in matches would have to be administered.

Dr. Mansingh also cautioned that Marlon may "break down" at any time and would be best served to have "constant evaluation" during the tour.

Under these circumstances and with a recent record of little success in taking injured players on tour, the WICB Executive Committee concurred with the selectors' decision and we are currently in the process of making arrangements recommended by Dr. Mansingh for the required assessment and treatment.

The WICB also feels strongly that it is not in Marlon's best interest for him to play in the upcoming Carib Beer Cricket Series. While we are advising him not to play while carrying this injury, we do not have the authority to prevent him from playing and, regrettably, will not be responsible for any injury he may suffer as a result.