Windies legend Chris Gayle’s controversial exit from Caribbean Premier League side Jamaica Tallawahs became a hot topic of discussion in the cricketing spectrum. After the Universe Boss slammed the franchise and assistant coach Ramnaresh Sarwan for his exit, another franchise player Andre Russell has criticised the Tallawahs.
After Gayle blamed Sarwan for his exit from the team where he was hoping to finish his career, Russell has singled out Talalwahs’ CEO Jeff Miller and owner Krish Persaud for ‘playing a game’ with him.
“This year was way different. This is the weirdest franchise that I have ever played in. And when I mean weird, people that [are] supposed to reach out to you as an individual, and I am not just a normal player in the Jamaica Tallawahs team – I was once a leader. I realise how they look at things and how they do things.”
“I felt like a first-class player that just made his debut one game ago. Your opinion is not valuable. That’s how I was treated.”
Russell claimed that being a senior player, he has been in conversation with the franchise about the players they wish to retain and whom are they looking to buy. But his questions and suggestions, however, have constantly been overlooked by the franchise.
“Even when I ask questions: who you guys planning on retaining? Who you guys planning on buying? I don’t get any answer on that. So, I just leave it.”
The all-rounder further asserted ‘lack of communication’ is a big problem in the franchise. “Addressing unprofessionalism in this team is all about communication.”
“The communication was the biggest problem when it comes to all of this. Up till now, I don’t know nothing that is going on. I don’t know nothing that was happening in the Jamaica Tallawahs team. And now it looks like me, Rovman, Floyd Reifer plan up, and I get rid of Chris. Why would I get rid of Chris? Chris has a three-year contract with Tallawahs. You’re not supposed to breach a contract. As a franchise, you can get in trouble with that.”
“I think this might be my last season for Jamaica Tallawahs. I’m just clearing the air.”
