The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Saturday sought to bring much-needed clarity surrounding the widely publicised omission of Kevin Sinclair from the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the upcoming Regional Four-Day Championship.
In a press conference held at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion, officials cited a pattern of “disciplinary issues” as the primary reason the versatile all-rounder was left out of the 13-man squad.
Chairman of Selectors Ramnaresh Sarwan did not mince words, describing Sinclair as a player whose behaviour has negatively impacted team cohesion for over a year.
GCB STATEMENTS ON SINCLAIR: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2719325725089605
“Issues involving Sinclair date back to 2024 and have persisted despite repeated efforts at intervention,” Sarwan stated.
Officials cited an incident during the 2024 Super50 Cup in which Sinclair was sent home following an “internal report,” which eventually led to the withdrawal of his central contract.
Captain Tevin Imlach provided a first-hand account of a more recent flashpoint during a Guyana Harpy Eagles practice match at the Everest Cricket Club.
According to Imlach, Sinclair exited the field during a critical phase of the game and did not return to play.
“He said he had to go to the washroom…but we had to get about three wickets. He left the session, changed into casual clothes, and went up to the pavilion. It looked like he didn’t have plans to come back on the field,” Imlach detailed.
Cricket Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade added that the GCB had attempted to secure sports psychology services, even prior to the issues affecting Sinclair, but those efforts had not yet materialised.
He dismissed claims of victimisation, noting that Sinclair has continued to receive opportunities despite his domestic struggles.
Hours after the GCB’s briefing, Sinclair issued a lengthy, emotive statement defending his character and providing context to the allegations.
FULL RESPONSE FROM SINCLAIR: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1303616195244303&set=a.548516854087578
Rising from the “Cow Dam” neighbourhood in Berbice, Sinclair emphasised that his on-field intensity stems from a “place of love and respect for the game,” rather than malice.
He addressed the 2024 Super50 incident, alleging he was subjected to “dangerous beamers” in the nets while recovering from a broken hand.
Crucially, Sinclair revealed he was grappling with profound personal trauma at the time, citing the death of his brother in a tragic accident and malicious taunts regarding his late brother’s personal life.
Sinclair stated he has since sought professional help and taken a hiatus from the game to “reset.”
Regarding the recent “walk-off” at Everest, Sinclair countered Imlach’s account, citing a bout of diarrhoea.
“I requested permission to leave…I was denied the opportunity to resume bowling upon returning shortly after,” Sinclair claimed, explaining that he only changed into civilian clothes near the end of the innings because he felt physically unwell.
In December 2024, Sinclair was fined 15% of his match fee by the ICC for “disobeying an umpire’s instruction” during a Test match against Bangladesh, despite not being in the starting XI.
While Sarwan noted that the “door remains open” for Sinclair, the immediate future sees the Harpy Eagles moving on without one of their most talented assets.
The Eagles open their campaign against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on April 12 in Antigua.
Squad: Tevin Imlach (c), Matthew Nandu (vc), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Richie Looknauth, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne, Zeynul Ramsammy.
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