Around this time last year when it was revealed that Trinidad and Tobago would be without Bravo and Pollard for the T20 Championships, the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board was on the receiving end of very harsh criticism from the Minister of Sport for his handling of the matter.

Minister Anil Roberts suggested in his own crass language (my opinion), that Azim Bassarath should resign based on his incompetence in handling the matter. At that time he indicated he would do what was necessary to ensure such a situation was never repeated.

Fast forward to 2012, Trinidad and Tobago again qualify for the championships and we now have, not two but three of our key players qualifying to play with their professional clubs. Minister Roberts again professed he would undertake the responsibility to sit with the players and negotiate with their clubs to ensure we have all our players available to represent our country at these championships.

Based on the Minister's commitment, it is very disappointing to be advised that Trinidad and Tobago will be going to the T20 Championships 2012 without Bravo, Pollard and Narine. Minister Roberts's silence since the announcement is deafening. Having the resources of the Ministry of Sport, The Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago and, by extension, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at his disposal, he owes the nation an explanation for the absence of these players in the Red, White and Black.

In the absence of a satisfactory reason, he should not hesitate in taking his own advice to Mr Basarath and submit his resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister immediately.

Mark Thomas

Santa Cruz