Bravo – A champion crowned

THE EDITOR: They say politics and religion are two things people should leave alone since they are emotional topics. However, political entry into Sports in TT has had the same effect.

Power hungry people and politics have negatively impacted the lovely game of not only cricket but other Sporting bodies and brought them into disrepute. The TTCB has victimised and ostracised Dwayne Bravo for years. The end result was he was prevented from donning the red, white and black to represent his country, once more. This is reminiscent of Brian Lara who in my opinion was forced into early retirement due to his frustration with both the TTCB and WICB. Incidentally, Tendulkar retired at 42.

In TT, we "doh like we own,” and this refers to not only in sports, but across the board. Both Bravo and Lara are revered abroad, but not home. The current board has done everything in its power in its attempt to crush the dreams of many cricketers including Dwayne Bravo. They have never defended any of our cricketers in the ongoing impasse with the WICB which says much. Perception is everything and fans have strong opinions on this issue. Since 2010 Bravo was thrown in the "dog house" and politics and vindictiveness meted out to him.

There is no thought for the young men and families who have made sacrifices to wear the red, white and black and have represented our country globally. Many young cricketers in their prime were cut off and shut down by incompetence and those wielding power in the TTCB. With the stroke of a pen Dwayne was simply cast aside. For me, no explanation could justify his ousting from the national team. At twenty six, in his prime he was denied playing for his country, while at the same time was at his best, in other words, outstanding internationally. We have seen him in winning ways in many different colours, but as fans we were also cheated and denied to see “our local and international champion in our national colours one last time. The reason, is a board with its own agenda and showcasing its "absolute power."

Remember "no one bark!” This is evident in this scenario, as speaking up or challenging the status quo, incompetence or demand change are deemed as insolence and you will pay the ultimate price. Our top cricketers have to be abroad from their loved ones for months to provide for their families because of small-mindedness and vacuous people. There is no generational transference in the sporting fraternity in this country, just greed and power is the ultimate goal of sporting administrators.

Thanks Dwayne for your years of cricket locally and internationally. I deem you as one of the best allrounders in the game (in fielding particularly catching and aiming at the stumps). I know you will contribute in some way to the development of cricket in this country. Thanks for your outstanding performances in the game, your humility and the music. You are indeed a champion. There are youths who are striving to attain what you, your brother and Brian Lara have accomplished out of the village of Santa Cruz and across TT. You have put us on the international map and kept our flag flying high. All God’s blessing on your next journey in Life. I will continue to follow your cricketing accomplishments.

Rossana Glasgow via e-mail