Chanderpaul should be utilised after his cricketing days

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
The expected was realised: “Shivnarine Chanderpaul is the leading candidate for the Sportsman of the Year (2012) award.” The reason for his nomination rests on his outstanding year with the bat in Test cricket, his only form of the game at the international level. He is currently the number three ranked Test batsman, and was the Caribbean’s highest scorer of test runs during the time. He actually notched up 987 runs from nine games, at an average of 98.7, inclusive of three centuries. Chanderpaul has three nominations for the award, which is one more than power lifter, Winston Frank Stoby.
Where Chanderpaul is concerned, he is Guyana’s premier sports personality. He truly deserves whatever accolades he is given. His importance was very noticeable at the recently concluded West Indies- Australia one-day series. In the five 50 over games, West Indies simply failed to compete, and could not bat out their overs on any single occasion. This clearly shows that he should have been there.
What is commendable about Chanderpaul is that he does not make a fuss about issues that go against him. When he was slighted by many of the region’s cricketing officials, he took his embarrassment calmly and even when people stood up for him, he stayed very stoical, as though he was just batting. Kieron Powell, who is beginning to blossom, did say once, that Chanderpaul taught him a lot about batting.
It would be wise if Guyana can start negotiations with this icon. His services must be sought. I know Trinidad is already capitalising.
Sporting fan,
Raymond Baptiste

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