The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) has taken issue with a recent social media post suggesting that some officials are obstructing opportunities for Kimani Melius to play abroad.
Melius, a talented top-order batsman, former Captain of the West Indies Under 19 team, and current Saint Lucia Senior Team captain, secured a contract to compete with the Joburg Tigers in the Zimafro T10 Series in Zimbabwe, which would have taken place from September 20 to 30, 2024.
Unfortunately, personal finance issues prevented the Babonneau native from participating in the tournament.
Nevertheless, rumors across social media platforms have suggested that SLNCA somehow was victimising Melius and prevented him from participating in the Zimbabwe tournament.
However, the organization has categorically denied these allegations.
“The SLNCA is extremely proud of Kimani Melius as a person and a cricketer. The period 2023-2024 has been an extremely challenging period for Mr Melius, and we are working with him with a view to improving his performances. Currently, Mr Melius is working with the coaches at the Saint Lucia High Performance Centre, with a view to improving and ensuring that he is properly prepared for any challenges that may arise.” said President of the SLNCA Wayne Auguste.
“Any suggestion that the Association would be involved in any action which would impede his development is categorically false, as we continue to maintain a close relationship with the player. In a period where Saint Lucia Cricket and Sport in Saint Lucia on a whole is on a high, the Association calls for support from all sectors and asks that spreading of unsubstantiated claims stop, as this only serves to divide,” he added.
In a previous interview with St. Lucia Times, Melius had also denied the allegations.
PHOTO: Kimani Melius (right) with Cricket Association president, Wayne Auguste.
