THIS is why Sunil Narine was not selected in West Indies squad for T20I series against Sri Lanka

Cricket West Indies' (CWI) lead selector Roger Harper said that Sunil Narine was not selected in the squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka as the player had indicated that he "is not ready to return to international cricket".

Narine has not played for West Indies in any format since August 2019. "Sunil Narine had indicated earlier that he is not ready to return to international cricket. He's still fine-tuning his game and getting himself ready. From that perspective, he wasn't considered for this series," ESPNcricinfo quoted Harper as saying.

CWI Selection Panel on Friday named the West Indies squads for the T20I series and ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS).

Chris Gayle, and experienced fast bowler Fidel Edwards, were named in the T20I squad, marking their return to the international stage, while off-spinner Kevin Sinclair had earned his first West Indies selection and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein received his first T20I call-up.

The three T20I matches will be played on March 3, 5 and 7 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua, while the ODI series will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Antigua on March 10, 12, and 14.

Also, CWI had said that all-rounder Andre Russell is still recovering from contracting COVID-19 earlier this month, and despite testing negative over a week ago was ruled out of the T20Is by the CWI Medical Panel whilst he completes his "return to play" protocols.