Baugh in hot water with cricket bosses

Kingston (Jamaica), Jan 1 (IANS/CMC) Sidelined West Indies wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr. is in hot water with the cricket authorities in Jamaica after missing a national training session without receiving permission.

The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has confirmed that Baugh is to attend a disciplinary hearing sometime this week before a possible return to the national setup to continue training in preparation for the new season.

Baugh missed a training session Dec 20 to attend to personal business after his request for a day off from practice was refused.

"Baugh is not a part of the training squad now but it doesn't mean he is no longer a part of the team. That matter is to be dealt with and there is a process to be followed," said newly-elected JCA president Wilford Heaven.

Baugh's absence from training as part of a 45-member squad has prompted speculation about his future in the 14-man team to be chosen for the upcoming Regional Super50 tournament.

Media reports in Jamaica suggest his absence from training is as a result of a stand-off between the player and the national selection panel, headed by chairman Wavell Hinds. Baugh himself has declined comment but reports say he has been showing up for each session.

"The fundamental thing is that this or any other sport can't go forward with any form of indiscipline especially when senior players are involved. So you can either lead by example or be an example," Heaven added.

Baugh has been Jamaica's most prominent wicketkeeper-batsman in recent times, playing in 102 first class matches, scoring 12 centuries and 22 half-centuries. He has also taken 205 catches and executed 24 stumpings.

Baugh has played 21 Tests and 47 One-Day Internationals (ODI) for the West Indies and was part of the Jamaica Tallawahs that won the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 tournament.

--IANS/CMC

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