Pollard wants to protect young cricketers

West Indies Limited Overs Captain, Kieron Pollard wants to ensure the region’s young cricketers are protected from “vultures” and that they are properly nurtured for the future.

He made the comment at a media conference ahead of the start of the Twenty20 series against host, India last week.

Following a One-Day series against Afghanistan last month, the Windies lost a Twenty20 series with players such as Brandon King, 24, Nicholas Pooran, 24, and Shimron Hetmyer, 22, in the team. Pollard believes they must be given time as it is a patient process in developing their full potential, especially players including Pooran, who have been in the international arena for some time, but are still considered relatively “green” on the international circuit.

“There are a lot of young talents coming through. It’s just a matter of trying to reach them and ease them into the world of international cricket, which we know is very, very, tough place,” said Pollard.

It remains vague as to who these vultures are but with players including leg-spinner Hayden Walsh, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in this year’s Caribbean Premier League in his squad, Pollard emphasized how bright the future was.