Alzarri Joseph Says Daren Sammy's Remarks Were "Controversial" and Lacked Context

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has responded to head coach Daren Sammy's comments regarding his absence from the ongoing two-Test home series against Pakistan, saying the remarks were "controversial" because they lacked important context about his fitness.

Joseph, who was initially reported by Cricket West Indies (CWI) as being unavailable for "personal reasons," said he was disappointed after Sammy publicly stated that the pacer had "declined selection" for the series.

Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show on Antigua Observer, Joseph revealed that he had discussed his situation with both Sammy and Cricket West Indies before the squad announcement.

"We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I've also had a chat with CWI, and if you realise the statement CWI released said personal reasons. Mr. Sammy, being around for a long time, knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have pushed in the public," Joseph said.

The controversy began after Cricket West Indies announced on July 23 that Joseph would miss the Pakistan series due to personal reasons. A day later, Sammy clarified during a press conference that the fast bowler had "declined selection" despite being picked for the squad.

Joseph explained that his decision was based entirely on workload management following his recovery from a recurring back injury. The 28-year-old recently returned to international cricket after nearly a year on the sidelines due to a second stress fracture in his lower back.

"Obviously, I've been out for an entire year. I haven't played at international intensity for so long after having a second stress fracture," Joseph said.

He added that after playing two Test matches against Sri Lanka and five consecutive One-Day Internationals against New Zealand, he felt his body was not prepared for another demanding Test series.

"We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs and how my body was feeling. I knew to myself my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context," he said.

Despite the public disagreement, Joseph insisted that the incident would not affect his professional relationship with Sammy.

"I'm a professional, so I'm going to go to work. I am representing the West Indies. I'm not representing Daren Sammy, so for me, I'm neither here nor there in terms of a relationship. I don't go there to make friends. I go there to work, do a job and represent the people of the West Indies," Joseph stated.

Meanwhile, West Indies lead the two-match Test series against Pakistan 1-0, with the second and final Test set to begin on Sunday. The Caribbean side will next travel to India for a limited-overs series scheduled for September and October.