Ramnaresh Sarwan withdraws from CPL 2020 citing personal reasons

The 2020 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is all set to commence from August 18th, with the final slated to take place on September 19th. Less than a week before the tournament, West Indies veteran and Jamaica Tallawahs’ assistant coach Ramnaresh Sarwan has opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

Jamaica Tallawahs have replaced Sarwan with former West Indies spinner Ryan Austin and Vinod Maharaj in the support staff headed by Floyd Reifer. The change was done at the last moment before the league flags off on Tuesday.

“Sarwan requested leave for personal reasons and that was granted,” Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller told Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. “It’s a big loss. Sars (Sarwan) brings a lot to the game – his knowledge, his experience, and the way he has dealt with the players over the years, so it is a great loss,” he added.

Jamaica Tallawahs will face St Lucia Zouks in their opening match

Jamaica Tallawahs will start their 2020 CPL campaign against St Lucia Zouks on August 19th. Recently, Sarwan’s name was involved in a controversy along with another veteran Chris Gayle. Tallawahs star Gayle, after being released by the franchise, had blamed Sarwan for his exit from the franchise.

Gayle wasn’t retained by Jamaica Tallawahs for CPL 2020 and the swashbuckling opener had alleged it was because of Sarwan who created differences between him and the franchise. Gayle eventually signed up for St Lucia Zouks before opting out of the season.

Miller, reflecting on the incident, said that they’re looking to move forward and focus on adding the third title in their trophy cabinet. Tallawahs had clinched the title in 2013 and 2016. Miller also heaped praise on

“We are going to look to move forward. This is a rebuilding year for us, (but) I don’t just want to say rebuilding. We are here to win the tournament. I think we have a great team and the guys are keen and ready to go and let’s see at the end what happens, but we are definitely looking forward to having a great tournament this year,” said Miller.