GCB defends Harpy Eagles selections amid controversy

• Sinclair responds to disciplinary claims

By Michelangelo Jacobus

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has defended its decision to omit all-rounder Kevin Sinclair from the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad, citing longstanding disciplinary concerns, with the player issuing a detailed response hours after the board’s press conference on Saturday.

At the media briefing held at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion, Chairman of Selectors Ramnaresh Sarwan said issues involving Sinclair date back to 2024 and have persisted despite repeated efforts at intervention. Sarwan described the all-rounder as “very disruptive to the team,” pointing to a series of incidents, including one during the 2024 Super50 Cup where he was sent home, and a more recent episode during a Harpy Eagles practice match.

Captain Tevin Imlach detailed that practice match incident, stating that Sinclair left the field during a critical stage of play with only a few wickets remaining and did not return, later appearing in casual clothing while the game was still in progress. The action, he said, was viewed as a breach of team discipline.

Sarwan added that both he and the GCB president had engaged Sinclair over the past years, but there had been no meaningful improvement. “If there is any other player that cannot fit in the team, they will not be included as well,” Sarwan said, while noting that the door remains open if Sinclair addresses the concerns.

Cricket Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade rejected claims circulating that Sinclair was being victimised, noting that the player had previously been selected for regional opportunities and even represented the West Indies despite issues at the local level. He added that the GCB has attempted to secure the services of a sports psychologist, both locally and overseas, but those efforts have not materialised.

However, in a statement released Saturday evening following the press conference, Sinclair provided his account of events and the circumstances surrounding his behaviour. He disputed the version of the Everest incident, explaining that he had requested permission to leave the field due to illness and suggested a teammate continue in his absence.
“Upon returning shortly after, I was denied the opportunity to resume bowling and was told that I had ‘walked off the field,’ which does not accurately reflect the situation,”

Sinclair stated, adding that he was forced to leave again due to the same condition and later changed into civilian clothing near the end of the innings. Sinclair also addressed earlier incidents referenced by the GCB, acknowledging that he reacted poorly in 2024 but attributing his actions to significant personal challenges. He revealed that he was coping with the death of his brother in a tragic accident and was subjected to “malicious and deeply hurtful taunts,” which contributed to his response at the time. “While I take responsibility for my reaction, I maintain that it came from a place of emotional distress, passion, and a desire to defend myself—not from misconduct,” he said.

The all-rounder further rejected the label of being indisciplined, stating that he has always represented Guyana and the West Indies “with pride, passion, and dignity,” and that his competitive nature may have been misinterpreted. He added that he has since taken steps to improve, including seeking professional help and resetting mentally after being sidelined from selection.

Despite Sinclair’s explanation, Sarwan maintained that behavioural standards remain a key factor in team selection, emphasising that discipline and cohesion are non-negotiable within the setup.

The press conference also addressed the non-selection of Ronaldo Alimohamed, with physiotherapist Angelica Holder confirming that a groin injury ruled him out of contention. She noted that the player is not match-ready and must complete rehabilitation and fitness protocols before being considered.
Sarwan added that Alimohamed failed to meet the required benchmark during the GCB’s yo-yo fitness test conducted on Saturday, scoring below the minimum standard of 40, marking his second failed attempt this year.

Head Coach Ryan Hercules also addressed the situation involving Ashmead Nedd, stating that despite outreach and invitations, the player has not attended training sessions in 2026, though he remains part of the wider plans.

Amid the off-field issues, Imlach said the squad remains focused on the upcoming campaign, highlighting the importance of continuity within the team. Sarwan added that experienced players such as Veerasammy Permaul will continue to be selected once they provide value.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles are scheduled to open their campaign in the revamped Cricket West Indies Regional 4-Day Championship against the Windward Islands Volcanoes in Antigua from April 12.

The squad reads: Imlach (captain), Matthew Nandu (vice-captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Richie Looknauth, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne and Zeynul Ramsammy.

Reserves include Shamar Joseph, Junior Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Jonathan Van Lange, Thaddeus Lovell, Antony Adams and Mavendra Dindyal. The GCB noted that Shamar Joseph will join the squad from the second round following an approved rest period granted by Cricket West Indies.