Alzarri Joseph and Darren Sammy Drawn Into New Controversy

A fresh controversy has surfaced in the West Indies camp following comments from head coach Darren Sammy regarding fast bowler Alzarri Joseph during the Pakistan Test series. Sammy suggested that Joseph had declined a selection call-up, but the pacer believes the remark was misleading and lacked the necessary context.

When the squad was announced, Cricket West Indies listed Joseph as unavailable for “personal reasons.” Sammy later told reporters that Joseph had been selected but chose not to accept the opportunity after returning from injury, prompting confusion over the actual situation.

Speaking on a sports programme in Antigua, Joseph backed the board’s original explanation and said Sammy’s comments had created unnecessary speculation.

Joseph had only recently returned after spending almost a year recovering from a back injury, which kept him out of tours of India and New Zealand. Following five straight ODIs against New Zealand, he felt his body was not sufficiently prepared for another demanding Test series and decided to sit out the Pakistan tour.

Asked whether the episode had affected his relationship with Sammy, Joseph said his focus remains on professionalism and representing West Indies cricket rather than personal relationships.

West Indies currently hold a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series after winning the opener. The final Test begins on Sunday, with a white-ball series against India scheduled for September and October.