# Alzarri Joseph Rejects Sammy’s Claim He Declined West Indies Selection 2026-08-07T02:00:16+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has disputed coach Daren Sammy’s claim that he declined selection for the ongoing two-Test series against Pakistan. Joseph said he opted out because his body was not ready for Test cricket after returning from a prolonged layoff caused by a recurrent lower-back stress fracture. Cricket West Indies initially cited “personal reasons” for Joseph’s absence, while Sammy said the pacer had been selected but declined. Speaking on the Antigua Observer’s Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, Joseph said the remark was controversial and lacked context. He said he would maintain a professional working relationship with Sammy and focus on representing the West Indies. ## Coverage - thehansindia.com Tags: Alzarri Joseph, Daren Sammy, Pakistan Tests, West Indies cricket Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/alzarri-joseph-rejects-sammys-claim-he-declined-west-indies-selection/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/alzarri-joseph-rejects-sammys-claim-he-declined-west-indies-selection/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.