I would have loved to play in the World Cup: Sunil Narine

The West Indies Cricket Board (WCB) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Wednesday, and the squad missed a few big names. The likes of Sunil Narine, Alzzarri Joseph, Kieron Pollard were few known to miss out. On this, Narine expressed his thoughts and said he would have loved to be a part of the national team if his finger was fine. The 30-year-old, who last played a one-day international in 2016, had come into consideration under the new selection policy of Cricket West Indies (CWI) but missed out due to a finger injury on his right hand.

"I would have loved to play in the World Cup," Narine, who is currently playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, told ESPNcricinfo.

"I`ve missed international cricket and missed representing the West Indies. It`s where my heart lies. But I don`t feel my finger is quite ready for ODI cricket."

"I can get through a T20 where I bowl just four overs. But even that isn`t easy and I need help from the physio. It`s holding me back from playing international cricket. I wouldn`t be able to do myself or the team justice."

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New CWI president Ricky Skerritt had earlier this month announced a series of administrative changes including an overhaul of the selection panel, with Robert Haynes replacing Courtney Browne as interim head of selectors. As part of the old selection policy, availability for domestic tournaments was a requirement to be picked for West Indies squads, but Skerritt said selectors would be allowed to pick all players who make themselves available.

"I`m really happy the selectors considered me. It shows they have faith in me," Narine added.

"I haven`t played international cricket in so long and this shows how much they want me to come back. It was good to have some conversations with them and I feel we`re all on the same page going forward."

West Indies, champions in 1975 and 1979, begin their World Cup campaign on May 31 against Pakistan in Nottingham.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Windies announced 15-member squad for the World Cup 2019. 
• Alzarri Joseph, Kieron Pollard, and Sunil Narine were the big names to miss out. 
• Windies will play their first game against Pakistan on May 31.