WICB pledges support for newly-installed skipper Jason Holder

St. John's (Antigua): The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) says it will make every resource available to newly-appointed captains Jason Holder and Stafanie Taylor, in order to ensure the success of their tenures.

Director of cricket, Richard Pybus, said the WICB was cognizant of the challenges associated with captaincy and had already written both players to inform them they would be granted whatever support systems they required, reports CMC.

“The directors and the management of the WICB recognised that being captain of a West Indies team is a unique challenge and carries an enormous burden of responsibility,” Pybus said in a release Thursday.

“We have written and offered them access to whatever support systems they believe is necessary for them to handle their responsibilities in a purposeful manner.”

The announcement comes just days after the WICB was criticised by renowned former opener Desmond Haynes, who contended there was no system in place to support Holder as a young captain.

At 23, Holder is the youngest ever Test captain and comes to the post with a mere eight Tests and 33 One-Day Internationals under his belt.

However, Pybus appeared to push back against Haynes’s claims, pointing out that legendary former captain Clive Lloyd - the current chairman of selectors - was already in place to help both Holder and Taylor.

“As a legend of the game, a successful international captain and in the role of Convenor of Selectors, Clive is uniquely placed to give valuable insight and we have encouraged Jason to lean on his wisdom, so he can manage the transition to the leadership position,” Pybus contended.

“Clive is also available to Stafanie, but we will also work with her to identify a suitable mentor going forward.”

With the support systems in place, Pybus said he was confident both Holder and Taylor would succeed in their new roles.

“The WICB is committed to their long-term development and success in their new roles, and we believe this will help Jason and Stafanie to focus while they settle in,” the Englishman said.

“We have full confidence that Jason and Stafanie will lead with courage and conviction, and do a wonderful job of moving their respective teams forward, so we have taken steps to help them to plan and manage their time effectively.”