3 weeks ago
10
PRESIDENT of Jamaica Cricket Association, Dr Donovan Bennett, has revealed that Jamaica Scorpions’ captain John Campbell has written an apology to governing body Cricket West Indies (CWI). This, for the actions of his team in the recently concluded Regional Super50 tournament.
Finalists Jamaica Scorpions and Barbados Pride failed to take the field and CWI declared that both sides had forfeited the match. This move could see both captains, Campbell and Raymon Reifer, being suspended.
“They (CWI) have no option. A level three offence, is a level three offence. However, that can be tempered and lowered by the subsequent action of the captain. John Campbell has written an apology to Cricket West Indies; I’m aware of that. The West Indies Players Association is also negotiating and representing the captain as it will have to go to a disciplinary committee hearing,” he stated.
The final which was originally scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time was delayed due to rain. Following the lengthy delay, the match was rescheduled to a 20-over per side affair with a revised start time for 6:17 p.m. Robert Haynes, head coach of the Jamaica Scorpions, while speaking with RJRSPORTS, shared that the time given by the match officials to prepare to play wasn’t adequate and as such he was in agreement to not take the field.
“To be honest, the time frame that I got in terms of getting the guys ready to go and play wasn’t enough. We cannot be sitting for over five and a half hours and then in 25 minutes you hear that you have to go and play. That is sad but at the end of the day, we would have to wait and see what happens in terms of what the CWI board will do,” Haynes said.
Captain Campbell only made his return to cricket last month following a 22-month ban due to breaching anti-doping rule 2.3 of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission which speaks to evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collections. In this instance, Campbell could be eyeing a suspension of up to 12 games, according to President Bennett.
“A level three breach carries a maximum suspension of eight white ball and 4 four-day games. That is what both captains, John Campbell and Raymon Reifer, are facing right now,“ Bennett said.
However, President Bennett suggested that the swift action of Campbell to accept responsibility for the forfeiture could see the CWI reducing the ban, which he hopes will happen.
“I would expect that because the captain has apologised in no uncertain terms, my expectation is that the punishment would be reduced. That is where we are at this moment. I don’t know how much it will be reduced by but my full expectation is that based on Mr Campbell’s written remorse that it would be a consideration,” Bennett said.
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