Ahead of the Caribbean Premier League 2021, one of the top franchises in the league, Guyana Amazon Warriors, have announced their retention of players. The five-time runner-up have made some huge calls and raised eyebrows with their choice of retention.
Guyana Amazon Warriors released some big names, including captain Chris Green. Warriors also released New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford.
Ross Taylor’s axing was on the cards as the New Zealander had a torrid time in the Caribbean in 2020. Taylor could only manage to score 164 runs in 10 innings at an abysmal strike rate of 87.2. Chris Green’s exclusion, however, was shocking as he had done an outstanding job, both as a captain and player. Green had picked 9 scalps in CPL 2020 while conceding runs at an exceptional rate of 5.68.
Guyana Amazon Warriors, under Chris Green’s leadership, had won six of their league games and finished at the second position with 12 points. However, they could not advance through to the final. They played third-placed St. Lucia Zouks in the semis but were thoroughly dominated by 10 wickets.
Keemo Paul was also a surprising exclusion. Paul was picked by the franchise in the 2017 edition and has emerged as a mainstay for both, Warriors and West Indies. In CPL 2021, Paul picked nine wickets in nine games, with the best figures of 4/19.
Guyana Amazon Warriors have retained their core group, which consists of two of the best T20 middle order batters in the world, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer. They have also retained Brandon King and Romario Shepherd. Imran Tahir and Naveen ul Haq are the two overseas recruits Warriors have retained.
Full list of the players retained and released by the Guyana Amazon Warriors before CPL 2021 draft
Players retained: Imran Tahir, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Naveen Ul Haq, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kevin Sinclair, Ashmeade Nedd, Odean Smith, Anthony Bramble.
Players released: Chris Green, Ross Taylor, Keemo Paul, Kissoondath Magram, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jasdeep Singh.
