NOCs granted by WICB for MCL to Chanderpaul, Best, Edwards and Santokie

Four West Indies cricketers, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tino Best, Fidel Edwards and Krishmar Santokie have been granted to play in the inaugural Masters Champions League (MCL) T20 scheduled to start tomorrow in the United Arab Emirates. All four players had written to the WICB indicating that they have retired from international cricket. Chanderpaul will represent Gemini Arabians whereas Edwards will turn out for Leo Lions. Best and Santokie will play for Sagittarius Strikers.

Michael Muirhead, the WICB CEO confirmed the development and wished for the tournament’s success. “This is a tournament [for those] who have retired from international cricket,” he said. “We wish for a successful tournament and we hope the opportunity for all the players prove valuable.”

The MCL is an approved tournament of the International Cricket Council for players who have retired from international cricket. However the players are still eligible to compete for their respective Franchises in their member countries, regional tournaments and other worldwide leagues. The exception is Barbadian Edwards, who is a Kolpak player, having opted to play for Hampshire in the UK, after giving up his right to play for his member country.

Chanderpaul is the second highest run-getter for the West Indies in Test cricket and announced his retirement last week. Santokie has played 12 T20Is and has an impressive average of 15.02 with an economy rate of 6.78 however, last represented West Indies in August 2014. Best last played for West Indies in January 2014 while Edwards has not played for the Windies since 2012.