Thursday, April 13, 2006

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (AFP): Shivnarine Chanderpaul announced Wednesday his resignation with immediate effect as captain of the West Indies cricket team.

The 31-year-old, who took over from Brian Lara in March 2005, informed the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) of his decision in a letter.

"This will give me an opportunity to focus on my batting and other areas of my cricket," he said in a statement.

"I have served my time as the captain and would like to pass the mantle on to another person. I would fully support my replacement, and work towards the good of the team.

"I would like to thank all who worked with me during my tenure as captain, and I am looking forward to continuing my hard work for West Indies cricket."

WICB president Kenneth Gordon thanked Chanderpaul for his services to West Indies cricket and stressed the importance of his role to the team.

A replacement captain will be announced shortly ahead of the seven-match limited overs series against Zimbabwe starting on April 29 with Chanderpaul's fellow Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan, the current vice-captain, a possible candidate.

Chanderpaul took over the post after the WICB left seven players out of the squad to tour South Africa, including Lara, because of a sponsorship dispute.

He served as captain from the 2005 Home Series against South Africa and Pakistan until the recent tour to New Zealand which resulted in a 2-0 defeat.

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