Archibald brushes off ‘investigation’ claims

Antigua Observer article.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Manager of the senior national cricket team, John Archibald, has downplayed talks of investigation and has labeled the actions of two national cricketers who broke “protocol” to play in a domestic competition while engaged in national duties as a “non-factor.”

The former Leeward Islands and national player hinted that such incidence is expected where there is a lack of structure.

“I see that as a non-factor really and truly, that is not even an issue to me. You are not in a setting where these guys are at a hotel or some kind of set-up where guys are being paid or there is an arrangement in terms of seeing it as we need to investigate, and if there is any investigation then the Association probably needs to investigate themselves,” he said.

“These situations happen from time to time where guys are part of a team ad if that was football I’d be more concerned and I don’t even want to entertain that as a matter of a fact because I really and truly don’t see it as a big deal,” he added.

Two players, Rahkeem “Jimbo” Cornwall and Alzari Joseph, took the field at Dredgers last Thursday night for Left Out in an ongoing taped ball competition.

Cornwall had, earlier that day, represented the senior national team in a Leeward Islands Cricket Association three-day match at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds (SVRCG). Joseph, however, was not selected in the Antigua & Barbuda final XI.

Archibald took a swipe at the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA), which he said showed a lack of interest that goes into planning and preparing for the current and similar tournaments.

“What I would like to see is that effort from the cricket association. Once the effort is forthcoming and you don’t get all the things you are looking for as a team, I don’t think that would be an issue so I am not going to try to tear no body’s head off,” the Manager said.

“They certainly need to step up in terms of that area because you would have known that this tournament would have been coming up at this particular time of the year, so you need to get out there as early as possible. I can guarantee you this that even though money is tight, sponsors are out there and people will assist,” Archibald added.

The former allrounder added that Antigua & Barbuda could take pattern from at least one other Caribbean country that has done well on the regional scene.

“Knowing your calendar in terms of this tournament is coming up at this time, the responsibility belongs to Tommy, Jerry and you have to take care of this and you have to take care of that so you have to get out of the blocks early and get your planning done early o’clock. There are too many times that last minute there is going to be something like a uniform rush or something that wasn’t done,” he said.

“One of the islands we can take something form is Barbados. Say what you want about the Bajans, but I have always been very impressed with Barbados in terms of solid organisation,” he added.

Antigua & Barbuda, following a one-week break, will travel to Nevis where they will take on the host country in both a Three-Day and a 50 Overs contest at Grove Park.