I was forced to retire, says Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Dubai: Stating that he was forced to retire from international cricket in order to get a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ to play in the Masters Champions League, veteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has warned that such shabby treatment by selectors is a worrying sign for future cricketers.

"I was given an NOC by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) with a clause in it that I retire on the 23rd (January)," Chanderpaul told ESPNcricinfo.

"If I didn't announce my retirement they would have taken it back."

Last May, the 41-year-old was dropped ahead of the two-Test series against Australia with selectors saying that his "rapid" decline in form was the reason behind his axe.

Chanderpaul, who made his Test debut against England in March, 1994, rued the fact that he was not given the chance to "retire properly" following more than two decades of international career for the West Indies, sending a negative message to up-and coming players.

"I wanted one last opportunity to play against Australia before signing off, but (I) can't do anything about it. Just want to put that behind me," Chanderpaul was quoted as saying by CMC.

"I got the NOC to play in Master Champions League after retiring from international cricket. Having played for so long, I feel I should have been treated well. If a player (like me) is treated like that, then think how the younger generation will be treated.

"Being treated like ordinary school boys. Nobody would come and say that you like so and so. You are always treated that way. These things will happen," Chanderpaul, who is here to play for Gemini Arabians in the inaugural Masters Champions League, said.

The left-handed batsman scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51, with 30 centuries in an illustrious career of 164 Tests to end at the second place in the list of all-time West Indies run-scorers, behind legendary Brian Lara with 11,953 runs.

It was his dip in form in two series — first during a three-Test tour of South Africa in 2014-15, where he managed 91 runs and the second was a three-Test series with England last April when he scored 92 runs.

However, Chanderpaul feels he could have scored more Test runs.

"I thought I could have gone on for a while, given more series and retired properly," he said.

"It's been a great run throughout the two decades. I am thankful for all the opportunities I got. I enjoyed playing all the formats for that long."

Talking about his long career, Chanderpaul said: "It probably could have been better in some areas but my career has been great since I was a school kid. Then there were things you expect from certain people but sometimes you have to put things behind and look ahead.

"I don't know (if there are any regrets). I have always played the game with passion. I have enjoyed it. I don't know if I have any regrets."