Head Coach of the Caribbean Premier League franchise Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, Paul Nixon, was critical of the West Indies Cricket Board when they did not inform the franchise of Justin Greaves’ injury, which he sustained during the West Indies’ series against Pakistan. The coach slammed the board and claimed that the team only knew about the matter ahead of the game, and although Greaves was given the medication, it was not good enough for them to name him to the playing side.
“I’m very disappointed that we’ve had no communication with Cricket West Indies in their backroom department for Greaves to come in to us a bit injured, more than a bit injured. So, that was disappointing. And just before the game, we found out these things,” said Nixon earlier in the week after the loss to Trinidad and Tobago. “So, for me, that was a bit unprofessional and disrespectful, in a way. But we moved forward.
“He’s had an injection. That hasn’t worked. I’ve been a bit disappointed by how he’s come back from West Indies cricket, if I’m being brutally honest. The communication was poor around that. So, that’s one of our international all-rounders out, which is tough,” he added.
However, the franchise backtracked and apologised for Nixon’s statements to the Board. “Paul Nixon, head coach of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, together with the Falcons’ management, would like to provide clarification regarding recent comments made about Cricket West Indies (CWI) during the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL),” the statement read.
“We want to emphasize that there was no intention to offend or undermine the efforts of Cricket West Indies (CWI). Nixon totally regrets any and all remarks made.
“Both Paul Nixon and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons apologize for any unintended implications or offense these comments may have caused to CWI management and staff. We remain firmly committed to fostering a strong and collaborative partnership with CWI, one that is grounded in mutual respect and open, constructive dialogue to advance West Indies cricket,” it added.