Cricket West Indies has defended the re-hiring of the former director of cricket Richard Pybus as a ‘strategic’ one in light of strong opposition outside of the organization to the move.
Pybus’ previous tenure in the Caribbean, which began in 2013 and lasted for three years could be described as a stormy one as it often featured spats with the region’s elite players.
In light of his return, a few former players and officials have not just taken exception to the re-hiring but also the method in which it was done. CWI CEO Johnny Grave has since confirmed that the post was in fact not advertised, but that the board were confident Pybus was the right man for the job.
“Everyone, including the senior management at CWI, is behind Pybus’ appointment,” Grave told ESPNcricinfo.
“It is a strategic appointment,” he added.
“It is a two-year consultancy role and it is specifically to do with establishing the HPC at the Coolidge Cricket Ground [in Antigua]. And ensuring the franchise-based Professional Cricket League that Richard set up four years ago becomes an even more elite, professional environment.”
CWI recently revamped its retainer contract system for players competing in regional competitions last month, but Grave argued there was a lot more work to be done before the Caribbean product could compete with the best domestic competitions abroad. With the experience of already working in the region under his belt, Grave argued Pybus fit the role perfectly.
“Richard is specifically coming in to work with our franchise teams, establishing the HPC in Antigua, and to allow us to produce better cricketers on the international stage,” Grave said. (SportsMax)
