“It is hard to understand the reasons why they are absent. It’s a self-inflicted blow, for sure”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara has slammed the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for leaving all-rounders Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo out of the World Cup squad.

Lara’s comments come after the West Indies suffered a humiliating four-wicket loss to Ireland in the World Cup.

“I believe we have shot ourselves in the foot and had the people who selected our team seen the World Cup for the prestigious tournament it is, both Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo would have been in Australia [and] New Zealand,” Lara wrote in his column for The Trinidad Guardian. “It is hard to understand the reasons why they are absent. It’s a self-inflicted blow, for sure.

“Statistics do not always tell the whole story and simply put, there are no sensible reasons why both players are not there. In fact, the reasons advanced for their omissions are ridiculous.

“Pollard’s mere presence is enough to put fear in the hearts of the opposition, and his attitude and confidence is such that it lifts the members of his own team.

“Statistics cannot put a value on that, or the indomitable camaraderie and spirit which he and Bravo deliver.”