‘What could have gone wrong?’
Pundits believe Tallawahs have questions to answer over Powell exit
Published:Thursday | May 4, 2023 | 12:45 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
SINCE YESTERDAY’S revelation that Jamaica Tallawahs’ 2022 winning captain, Rovman Powell, will not return to the team for the upcoming 2023 season, questions about what could have gone wrong in the camp of the three-time Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions have surfaced.
Veteran regional cricket analyst, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, believes the management of the Jamaica Tallawahs team owes the cricketing world an explanation for Powell’s exit from a team he captained not only to a CPL title, but also to the SKYEXCH 6IXTY Trophy earlier that year.
“When I first saw the story, I initially thought it wasn’t real. It’s very surprising based on what transpired at last year’s CPL where he showed clear love and commitment to the franchise, along with the joy of bringing back the trophy to the Jamaican franchise, which led him to be appointed the West Indies T20 captain,” said Perreira.
“The big question is what could have gone wrong between then and now, Tallawahs management not only owe it to Jamaica, but they owe it to the rest of the region and maybe the world, to explain what led to him moving away and going to the Barbados franchise.”
Powell, who represented Tallawahs from 2016, is a two-time winner of the CPL trophy and follows in the footsteps of former Tallawahs captain Chris Gayle and Andre Russell to depart the franchise in bizarre fashion.
According to Perreira, Powell’s departure is the Barbados Royals’ gain and the Jamaica Tallawahs’ loss.
‘TREMENDOUS LOSS’
“It is Barbados’ gain by getting Powell. You’ll have to wait and see what will be the final team for the Tallawahs, but right now it’s a tremendous loss. One, as a leader, two as a captain, three as a bowler, and fourth as an outstanding fielder. To replace that, you’ll have to get like-for-like,” Perreira opined.
CPL commentator, Alex Jordan, also pointed out that the move comes on the heels of what has been a rough patch for the Tallawahs franchise.
“It tells its own story because Rovman Powell is a loss to any team, much less a team he captained to a title last year, so this is a big story and this will be weighing on the minds of Tallawahs management. It’s being a rough road the last few years for the Tallawahs franchise, we can’t deny that and this will be another blow after the Gayle and Russell leadership,” she stated.
Jordan also shared that while the move is dramatic, the Tallawahs must be mindful that they are the defending champions.
“I think it’s a dramatic move because Rovman Powell is such a marquee player and this will be another big shake-up at the Jamaica Tallawahs. They have to start the defence of this title with Jamaican swagger and remember that they’re the defending champions,” said Jordan.
Yesterday, Powell declared his unwillingness to part with the Tallawahs on Instagram.
“It is with a heavy heart that my time with the Tallawahs has come to an end. I have made lifelong friends and memories I will never forget. Not least, winning two CPL titles for my home franchise, one of those as captain, which I will always cherish,” Powell said.
“I’m looking forward to joining the Royals and beginning a new chapter of my CPL career. I would like to thank all the players and coaches who have been part of my Tallawahs journey these last few years. Most of all, I want to thank the Jamaican fans for your support.”
Powell’s trade with the Royals comes at the expense of Hayden Walsh Jr, who will now turn out for the Tallawahs when the CPL begins on August 17.
No CPL games will be played in Jamaica.