WICB Media Photo

Denesh Ramdin

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)

Cricket authorities in Trinidad have rejected Denesh Ramdin's claim that victimisation was behind the decision to overlook him as national captain for the upcoming first class season.

In a release on Tuesday, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) said the only consideration behind the decision was the West Indies Test captain's anticipated unavailability because of the regional side's heavy schedule over the next several months.

The board said this was conveyed to Ramdin at a meeting held Monday.

"The TTCB sought to get an idea of Ramdin's willingness to represent his country following the cancellation of the Indian tour and the ongoing impasse with the [West Indies] Cricket Board (WICB)," the TTCB said.

At the meeting, Ramdin stated his commitment to T&T and his willingness to represent T&T once available and TTCB president Bassarath informed him that the National Selectors have made a recommendation for a new captain and vice-captain.

"Reason put forward was that Ramdin was not expected to be available to represent T&T in the upcoming season because of the tight WI international schedule as he is current Test team captain."

Ramdin was quoted as saying Monday that he had been axed as captain of the national side, and believed it was victimisation for the role he played as part of the squad that abandoned the recent one-day tour of India.

West Indies walked out on the tour after four games of the six-match limited overs series, in protest over the terms and conditions of their new playing contracts.