Alzarri Joseph Controversy: Viv Richards’ Take
When the roster was revealed on July 23, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph declined to play in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan, citing personal reasons. Following the public announcement, the two clashed, with Joseph subsequently blaming Sammy for characterising his choice as lacking of context.
Legendary West Indies star Viv Richards has now chimed in on the topic, criticising the public handling of the situation. Richards believed that a private resolution between the athlete and the coaching staff would have avoided media scrutiny.
Daren Sammy, head coach, announced Alzarri Joseph’s rejection of selection at a news conference the next day. “I would like to think that Alzarri, and this is just my opinion, would have made it clear as to what the whole stuff was and how he felt and what he meant, and I think there are two sides to the story.”
To get the coach to say – and it appears he did – he (Alzarri Joseph) declined selection, and that, in my opinion, is pushing it too far.
I’d like to believe that Alzarri Joseph would have handled it professionally, and that the comment from coach Sammy was unnecessary in my opinion,” Richards remarked, as published by The Indian Express.
Richards expressed concern that making public comments about such issues could harm a player’s career and image. The present quarrel between Joseph and Sammy was unexpected given their close working relationship while Joseph was employed with the St Lucia franchise.
Such statements, if they are false, leave a lasting impression. The two had a terrific relationship while he was with the St Lucia franchise, so I’m not sure why things have gone so bad.
I know the relationship is much greater than what we hear on the radio, therefore it’s important to attempt to reignite it. We make mistakes from time to time, but as long as we have a heart, we can always put things back together and get these men going,” Richards explained.
Richards criticises Sammy’s public speech.
Alzarri Joseph indicated that his decision was not motivated by a desire to represent the West Indies, but rather by the need to manage his workload following a lengthy injury absence.
The fast bowler felt that Sammy’s public characterisation of his absence as a failed selection skewed the facts and created an unnecessary narrative.
“I spoke with the head coach. I also spoke with CWI, and as you may recall, the statement CWI made stated that it was done for personal reasons.
Mr Sammy, who has been around for a long time, is well aware of the consequences of that comment. So, to be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr Sammy regarding his statement.
As I have stated, he is well aware of the impact of that comment and the narrative it would have promoted in the public.” Alzarri Joseph explained.
