Lara ... I apologise to all concerned.
Audley Boyd, Assistant Editor - Sport
West Indies skipper Brian Lara has apologised publicly for his outburst against Windies selection policies and the state of the Sabina Park pitch, during and after the fourth cricket Test in the recently-concluded Digicel series against India.
That 49-run loss in the four-game series gave the Indians a 1-0 victory. It came on the third day and Lara, whose side had been
bundled out for 103 in 33.3 overs in their first innings, replying to India's 200, said the pitch was "totally underprepared" and "undeserving for such a crucial Test".
The following day he threatened to give up the captaincy while lashing out at the board for failing to notify him that he was officially appointed to the selection panel months
earlier. He had been clamouring for changes in the team and felt aggrieved that he was not given the privilege of influencing that process.
Commenting on his outburst in a written apology, Lara said:
"I recognise that I broke the confidence placed in me as West Indies captain by my overreaction during and after the fourth Test against India and I apologise to all concerned."
He added: "I would also like to thank my teammates for the progress we have made as a team over the last few months and I hope my unfortunate actions will not in any way deter our march towards further success."
Agreement
Lara's apology came as a result of an agreement forged between a committee of the board headed by the president Ken Gordon, which also comprised Sir Alister McIntyre, Clive Lloyd and Gregory Shillingford.
The meeting - to hear Lara's version of the events which led to his unfortunate statements - took place last week Thursday, July 27.
Gordon had previously written to Lara on July 10 saying he "... empathised with the rationale that you outlined during our conversation in support of additional pace against the Indians and the passion of your conviction that the series could have been won by 3 games to 1. We need both conviction and passion to continue to build on what has been achieved."
However, the WICB president added: "But we also need to send a signal that a new start is being made. That we will resolve our differences internally and present a unified front to the cricketing world and that West Indies cricket is on the way up again. Your statement did not contribute to sending that message and that was unfortunate."
Further, Gordon stated: "As mentioned to you, I feel certain that our board is fully supportive of the principle that the captain should be comfortable with the team he leads. This does not mean that he can have his way every time but it does mean that his views need to be very carefully weighed. From your comments this morning you clearly did not think that this was done.
"We must ensure that this type of situation does not reoccur," he concluded.
