Why Alzarri Joseph is not playing: Joseph refuses to play in the Test series against Pakistan

Image Source: Getty

Why Alzarri Joseph Is Not Playing: Alzarri Joseph declined to play the Test series against Pakistan; Coach Daren Sammy reveals details

A new controversy has emerged just ahead of the two-match Test series between the West Indies and Pakistan. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has revealed that star fast bowler Alzarri Joseph himself declined selection for the series against Pakistan.

Interestingly, when Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the squad for this series, the press release stated that Alzarri Joseph was unavailable due to "personal reasons." However, Daren Sammy's statement has clarified the situation completely.

"This is beyond my jurisdiction" – Daren Sammy

Speaking to the media, coach Daren Sammy said:

"Yes, Joseph's absence is a major loss for the team. Mr. Joseph himself declined selection; that is the reality of the situation. He was selected for the squad—he is returning from injury—yet he refused to play. This decision is far above my jurisdiction. I leave it to the board directors to find a solution regarding how players on central contracts can decline selection."

Recent form and injury history

The 29-year-old fast bowler, Alzarri Joseph, had missed the tours of India and New Zealand due to a lower back injury. However, he made his comeback during the Test series against Sri Lanka, where he claimed six wickets across two matches.

Sammy has full confidence in his bowling line-up

Despite the absence of Alzarri Joseph, Darren Sammy has full faith in his team's capabilities. He stated that the West Indies possess a bowling attack capable of taking 20 wickets against the opposition.

Sammy said, "We saw our bowlers perform brilliantly in the series against Australia and New Zealand. Our batsmen also showed consistency against Sri Lanka. If our batsmen score runs, we have a strong bowling attack capable of taking 20 wickets and winning Test matches."