By Kern Ramlochan Saturday, April 21 2007

Former West Indies spinner and Trinidad and Tobago captain, Rangy Nanan said that he was absolutely shocked when he heard Brian Lara’s announcement to retire from international cricket.

“Brian indicated in March that he was ending his limited overs career to prolong his test career as he wanted to guide the West Indies team to its rightful position to the top of international cricket.. “I believe that he might have been pressured by the selectors, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), or from criticism by commentators which might have made him unhappy and forced him to retire.” said Nanan.

He revealed that he spoke with Brian when he was in Antigua, and there was no indications that the World Cup was going to be the last tournament he would be playing for the West Indies.

“I know Brian was looking forward to playing in England because of his fondness for the game over there. He had so much to offer the West Indies team with his batting and leadership and this is a massive blow for the regional team. We no longer have a batsman who commands the respect of the opposition bowlers and strikes fear into them outside Sarwan and Chanderpaul” said Nanan.

He added that Brian would be truly missed, and no longer would the West Indian people be able to look forward to seeing the master batsman take to the crease.

Political Leader of the Congress of the People (COP), Winston Dookeran expressed his deep sense of gratitude to Brian Lara on his distinguished career.

He said Lara’s career was as an “excellent innings” and thanked him for the great joy and pride he instilled in all people of the Caribbean, and especially to those in Trinidad and Tobago. Dookeran wished Lara great success in the new activities he was to embark upon in his life and hoped that his inspiration, leadership and position as a role model will help create a new generation of sportsmen and sports women who will continue to make Trinidad and Tobago proud.

Fatima College, the alma mater of Brian Lara, also conveyed their thanks to the past pupil for his outstanding contribution to the game of cricket.

Brian entered Fatima College in September, 1981, where his prowess for the sport was evident. He captained Fatima College cricket team at all levels where he scored 16 centuries. In 1987 Brian was the captain of the Championship team which won both the National League and Knockout title. At the same time he represented North Zone senior team in the Inter Zonal competitions.

His career was followed by the Fatima community as he represented Trinidad and Tobago and the West Indies where he had memorable moments such as his inning of 277 against Australia; test record of 375 against England in Antigua, highest first class score of 501 not out and his recapturing of the test record when he scored 400 not out.

Brian has made Fatima College and Trinidad and Tobago proud while being an inspiration to all sober thinking West Indians. He will always occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of the Fatima community.

The United National Congress expressed their congratulation to Brian Lara in the role he played as a cricket superstar and a sporting ambassador. The party commended Lara on his single-minded commitment to excellence, and his positive influence on a generation of Caribbean youths who admired and adored his brilliance on the cricketing field.

President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), Deryck Murray, expressed his profound thanks to Brian Lara on his illustrious career on behalf of the local cricket fraternity.

Murray said that Lara had the unique ability to build mammoth scores without sacrificing his flair and artistry with the bat.

He added that he had seen Brian progress from the little boy in the “first net” at the Harvard Clinic to the outstanding cricketer that he is. He wished him the best in the future as he bows out from the international stage.