Dwayne Bravo has slammed the West Indies cricket board (CWI) after Shai Hope replaced Rovman Powell as the T20 skipper.
Powell took over the reins in May 2023, a few months after a disappointing T20 World Cup in which the West Indies failed to qualify for the Super 12 stage. Powell had instant success, overseeing home series wins against India, England, and South Africa.
The CWI director of cricket, Miles Bascombe, said that Hope took over the T20I side on the “advice of head coach Daren Sammy”. The next T20 assignment for Hope, who is already leading the ODI team, will be a series against England in June.
Dwayne Bravo lashes out at axing of Rovman Powell
Bravo, a two-time T20 World Cup winner, criticised West Indies for taking the step to replace Powell. He wrote on Instagram: “@windiescricket once again you guys prove to the people of the Caribbean and the cricket world that the injustices towards players continues!
“As a former player and a fan of WI cricket, this is easily one of the worst decisions ever. [Powell] taking over captaincy when our T20 team was in 9th spot and was able to move up to 3rd sport in the rankings and this is how you guys repay him. The bad treatment towards players when would it Stop! This is so sad on all levels..make it make sense!”
Powell captained the West Indies in 33 games since assuming the role, leading them to 16 wins. They are ranked fifth in the ICC T20I rankings, above South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Only one rating point keeps them away from fourth-placed New Zealand.
Powell is currently playing in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders, where Bravo is serving as the mentor.
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