Trinidad and Tobago’s trio of all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, and spin bowler Sunil Narine, are unlikely to represent their country at the IPL Champions League in South Africa. It is understood that the owners of the respective clubs in the IPL, are very unhappy with efforts by T&T to have the players give up their franchises to represent their country. Bravo plays with two-time champion team Chennai Super Kings while Pollard plays with Mumbai Indians and Narine, with champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Guardian was told by a reliable source that the owners as well as the controllers of the IPL are threatening to ban T&T if the government forces the players to play for their countries. “These owners are not giving the players any choice. There is talk that the IPL franchises may not select any player from T&T in the future if the trio fails to represent their franchises,” said the close source. “It would appear that this could end the chances of many youngsters playing in this league in the future and the franchise bosses are saying this was always a club event, and not a country event,. The only exception was the West Indies,” he added “The IPL Board is supporting the claims of the owners despite any clause in the contract,” he stated.
Indian Movie sensation, Shahrukh Khan, owns the Kolkata Knight Riders, while the man described as India’s richest man—Mukesh Ambani—owns Mumbai Indians. India Cements Limited owns the Chennai Super Kings.
Outgoing West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive officer, Dr Ernest Hillarie, may have to get involved as the situation may also affect West Indies cricket.
If the players do not represent T&T, it will not be the first time, as in 2011 both Bravo and Pollard played for their respective franchises in the IPL Champions League in India.
The Guardian understands that the players are saddened by this development, since they were looking forward to leading T&T to victory, after their historic second place finish in 2009.
-Andre E Baptiste
www.guardian.co.tt