Source : Jamaica Gleaner
JAMAICA TALLAWAHS CEO, Jeff Miller, is downplaying speculations that something may be wrong within his Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise after the high-profile exit of winning captain Rovman Powell last week.
According to the CEO, Powell’s departure is part of franchise cricket and nothing more and doesn’t anticipate any disunity in the team for the upcoming CPL season.
“This is franchise cricket, players come and go so we don’t anticipate any division in the team. We’re anticipating to have a great team again this year and even though we haven’t announced our captain yet, he’s very enthusiastic on the upcoming season,” said Miller.
The Jamaica Tallawahs in past years was home to the likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Powell, all of whom have moved on after captaining the team.
According to Miller, the apparent trend is not a deterrent for other big-name players wanting to represent the three-time CPL champions.
“Agents and top-name players have been calling. The Tallawahs is a family and when players come through the team, we make them feel at home. Again, this is franchise cricket and players move on to benefit their causes. I would say he (Rovman) left on good terms, he didn’t put out anything negative and it was a mutual agreement. I respect his wishes, I mean, people move on and go to different franchises,” said Miller.
Powell’s exit was as a result of a trade for leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr and the difference in stature of the West Indies T20 captain and the latter has also raised some eyes.
According to Miller, however, the intention was never to get a like-for-like player, but rather, to look to add players that suit roles the coaching staff wants them to play.
“The team is like a puzzle and each player has their role to play in the puzzle. I’m looking for a player that is going to fit the diameters that we have as a team. The coaching staff has done a fantastic job in putting the players in the positions that we want them to excel in and whichever player that comes in, they will just come in and continue to develop on the work we’ve put in from last year. So, there’s no special player that we’re looking for. We’re looking for a player that will contribute to the team in their role whether it’s a bowler, batter or combination of both.”