By Orin Davidson
Brian Lara has said he is not sure about his future as West Indies captain, but it is likely he would continue playing after next year’s World Cup.

Contrary to public opinion Lara hinted he might well go on after 2007, during his visit to New York last weekend with the Caribbean All Stars squad.

Speaking to Cricket International last weekend, Lara did not confirm the widely held view of him not continuing with the remainder of his career after West Indies hosts the World Cup for the first time.

“I do not know”, the triple world record holder replied when asked about quitting after the sport’s biggest competition ends in April.

He is also not commenting further on statements he reportedly made about reviewing his position as captain for the team after West Indies were beaten in Tests by India for the first time in 35 years in the West Indies.

“I do not want to comment,” the superstar batsman said. Lara had publicly criticized the West Indies selection panel for their choices and the ground staff at the three venues, particularly those at Sabina Park. for preparing unfavorable pitches for his team, during the three-Test series.

Lara’s comments were received with indignation by chief selector Joey Carew, the player’s close associate, who stated he would have to answer to the West Indies Cricket Board. In the meantime the captain is carrying on with his plans for the remainder of the year. In addition to a charity game yesterday in London, Lara said he also has a few events in Dubai to attend to, before West Indies defends its title in the Champions Trophy competition in India and the tour of Pakistan afterwards in November.

“Mainly I am trying to get myself fit physically now after two and a half months of grueling international competition,” stated Lara, who said he will miss the inaugural Stanford 20/20 competition as a result.

He said he was touched by the overwhelming reaction by the New York crowd to the Caribbean All Stars players during their two matches at Floyd Bennett Park in Brooklyn on Saturday and Sunday.

“The crowd was tremendous, we feel at home, we are in New York, this is not the Caribbean and I think the atmosphere was excellent, you can tell the young kids idolize some of our players,” Lara disclosed.

He was impressed by young Rashard Marshall of the United States team who hammered a whirlwind 90 off only 56 balls off the Caribbean All Stars in the first game on Saturday and also had good words for the team’s captain Steve Massiah.
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