Ramnaresh Sarwan leaves CPL 2020 due to personal reasons
Former West Indies batsman and Jamaica Tallawahs’ assistant coach Ramnaresh Sarwan has opted out of the Caribbean Premier League citing personal reasons. The 2020 edition of CPL kick starts on Tuesday (August 18).
Tallawahs have replaced Sarwan with ex-West Indies spinner Ryan Austin and added Vinod Maharaj to the support staff.
“Sarwan requested leave for personal reasons and that was granted,” Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller told Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. “It’s a big loss. Sars (Sarwan) brings a lot to the game – his knowledge, his experience and the way he has dealt with the players over the years, so it is a great loss.”
Sarwan had recently found himself in a controversy after former Windies teammate Chris Gayle blamed him for the latter’s sudden exit from the franchise in a Youtube video. The ‘Universe Boss’ later apologised for his blatant allegations and signed up with the St Lucia Zouks. However, he later pulled out of this year’s edition.
“We are going to look to move forward. This is a rebuilding year for us, (but) I don’t just want to say rebuilding. We are here to win the tournament. I think we have a great team and the guys are keen and ready to go, and let’s see at the end what happens, but we are definitely looking forward to having a great tournament this year,” said Miller.
The 33-match tournament will be played across two stadiums in Trinidad & Tobago. All the players, support staff and match officials had tested negative for Covid-19 on arrival.
