Value national commitment before IPL: WICB tells Gayle, Sarwan

West Indies Cricket Board has reminded captain Chris Gayle alongwith Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of their 'responsibility to value national commitment' ahead of the Indian Premier League, which is coinciding with Australia's tour of Caribbean.

The WICB had expressed concern after Gayle, Sarwan and Chanderpaul refused to confirm their availability for the first two Tests against Australia.

"Our best players have a responsibility to value their commitment to West Indies cricket and the West Indian public ahead of any relationship they have with the IPL," WICB Chief Donald Peters said in a statement issued on Thursday.

"We fully expect them to be ready to play against Australia in all Test and ODI matches," he said.

Meanwhile, Gayle said he would confirm his availability for the first two Tests against Australia after the series against Sri Lanka.

"I am not in the right frame of mind to answer that question right now. I still have to speak to some people. The world will get an answer soon," Gayle said.

"At the moment, everybody is just speculating. But I will probably make my announcement after the series against Sri Lanka," he added.

The loss of the trio, the West Indies' most experienced players with 244 Tests between them, would not only be a blow to the team but also make the International Cricket Council sit up and take notice as it is trying its best to prevent players from absconding from international duty for the IPL.

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