'I wanted a different challenge' - Joseph

Sylvester Joseph, the former West Indies batsman, is fed up with the system in regional cricket, prompting him to take a break from West Indian domestic competitions. He is, however, very comfortable within the environment of the Stanford 20/20 pro Antigua unit.

Joseph shocked all and sundry when he made himself unavailable for regional competitions in August 2007. He explained the thinking behind his move in an interview prior to the start of the second Stanford 20/20 tournament in Antigua.

"When I sit down and think about it, I haven't gone anywhere. I've made the highest level a few times and never propelled into the destiny I wanted. In life, you cannot be stagnant. You have to be moving on. I wanted a different challenge," he said.

"Discipline in the West Indies system is not fully executed. Whether you do righteously or bad, you have rewards, especially in the business entity. You have to work with the code that you have.

"Sometimes you have players who break the code and they don't get disciplined for it. Some players break the code and they get disciplined all the time. It's not justice. In any system, you will not get success if you are operating that system. This professional system does that."

While Joseph is not part of the Leeward Islands team for this Carib Beer Series and last October's KFC Cup, he was among the 17 Antiguans who signed on to the Stanford 20/20 pro set-up that started last June.

His experience within that operation has been satisfying and he is urging regional authorities to duplicate the model.

"I'm so blessed to be given this opportunity. This system is not 100 per cent, but consistency is what you are looking for," he said. "If all the coaches for the professional teams implement that, the players will understand and West Indies cricket will get better. This is a step in the right direction and we must give Sir Allen all the credit for putting his money where West Indies needs some help.

"Hopefully, the guys on the West Indies board will get the vision and understanding that we need a professional system for the cricket to get back to where it once was."

Joseph, who made his first-class debut as an 18-year-old, is a former West Indies Under-19 captain, was captain of the Leeward Islands since 2005 and has consistently led the West Indies A team since 2006. He has also played five Tests and 13 one-day internationals and his most recent international appearance was on West Indies' tour to England in 2006.

While his sabbatical has no timeline, Joseph is not ruling out a return to the regional arena. "Sometimes you go into the wilderness to enhance your ability and get your mind cleared. For this time, I am not thinking about getting back yet," he said.

"I'm not where I want to be in terms of my professionalism. There is a lot more work to be done in my batting, fielding and captaincy. Maybe later in the year. It is still open. I haven't made a decision on when I'm going to come back. I'm feeling comfortable and content where I'm at the moment. I'm working hard to improve myself and the players around me."