Speculation has been swirling in recent weeks regarding the future of one of Saint Lucia’s bright young cricketing talents, Kimani Melius.
The 23-year-old batsman, a former West Indies Under-19 captain, was slated to join the Jo’burg Bangla Tigers for the ongoing Zimbabwe Afro T10 Tournament.
The National Cricket Association (SLNCA) announced that effect on September 18.
But the exciting player from Boguis, Babaonneau never travelled, occasioning a great deal of speculation as to the circumstances surrounding his absence.
Speaking to St. Lucia Times on Wednesday, however, Melius said the issue was finance.
“I got a call from my agent. Unfortunately, there were some unforeseen problems in terms of the expense to travel from Saint Lucia to Zimbabwe,” he explained.
Melius said his No Objection Certificate was already in hand from Cricket West Indies, which permitted him to play.
He was looking forward to the experience and had had a conversation with West Indies head coach Daren Sammy and SLNCA president Wayne Auguste, both of whom were in full support.
This was the latest of several challenges for Melius over the past two years.
He started the 2023 Cricket West Indies Championship with a knock of 192 against Trinidad & Tobago in Grenada, under the captaincy of Alick Athanaze.
But in the next match, he was struck on the helmet and suffered a concussion, which sidelined him for much of the rest of the season.
The top-order batsman then lost his contract with the Windward Islands Volcanoes for the 2023 Regional Super50, though he went on to play for the West Indies Academy.
Earlier this week, Melius revealed to St. Lucia Times that he had been reinstated for the 2024 competition.
“I got the call to let me know that I was offered a contract for this season,” he divulged. “Obviously, I am happy. I know the Windwards setup and I’m happy to be back with the team. As always, I look forward to giving it my all, and I am hopeful that I and we have a great season.”
In August, Melius captained Saint Lucia to victory over Dominica in an Under-24 Development Series at Mindoo Phillip Park, having previously led the Saint Lucia senior team to the Windwards Super 50 Championship last year.
The young man dismissed the notion that he had been victimised in any way, and noted that he was entirely focused on the future.
He has maintained a positive attitude throughout and remains confident that he has much to offer the game in Saint Lucia, the Windwards, and the West Indies.
PHOTO: Kimani Melius (right) with Cricket Association president, Wayne Auguste.
