England's unexpected assault on the West Indies seems to have wreaked as much damage on the team officials as it has done the players.
That is the only conclusion one can reach in light of the selectors' treatment of star-player Shivnarine Chander-paul.
Their inconceivable axing of the left-hander for the fourth and final Test against England is clear evidence that this selection panel is not about to get any better, but rather is spiralling faster into the depths of mediocrity.
The explanation for abruptly firing one of their most senior and dependable players for years, leaves more questions than answers and is as inconclusive as the next occasion captain Brian Lara would show up again as a real batsman.
The statement released offers a flimsy excuse for removing Chanderpaul, leaving one at a loss as to the real reason for the selectors' action.
It merely states that the player was "allowed to return home" after showing "some reluctance" to comply with the board's direction that he be evaluated by the WICB's doctor for tiredness and lethargy.
From the text of the statement one gets the impression it was a very easy decision to make, in getting rid of the second most senior and valued member of the squad.
The statement does not say whether Chanderpaul was disciplined for insubordination or was deemed unhealthy enough to perform in Antigua.
The public was never told that the decision was made after long and hard thought following lengthy discussions with the player.
Rather, it seems it was a decision made in the blink of the eye, that is sure to deeply traumatize the player for more reasons than one.
So much is left to be desired from the miniscule 90-word statement, one can understand why the administration of West Indies is in such a parlous state.
The public is entitled to know whether Chanderpaul was warned about the consequences of his reluctance to see a doctor provided by the WICB or whether he was left in a false sense of security until being abruptly told he was replaced.
From all appearances, the latter seems to be the case because the player seemed part of the team during the time they practised on Monday, the day the decision was made, because the Barbados Nation newspaper published a picture of him with captain Lara in the nets.
There is no other way one can conclude, but that Chanderpaul was disciplined, because his performance is far from being the worst among his batting teammates this series and for all of the 10 years he has been in the team. Moreso, his first innings contribution of 50 was the second best in the match by the side in Barbados.
For a player who has served his team with distinction, in the West Indies' circumstances, Chanderpaul does not deserve any type of shabby treatment.
It seemingly is a decision made more in haste, rather than properly done, and is a poor reflection on the selection panel which has done little to inspire hope in the long- suffering West Indies public.
This was the said panel of which chairman Sir Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge are yet to explain not being in Barbados, but elsewhere instead, to see prospective West Indies team players in action in the Carib XI versus England game and the Barbados/Jamaica
Carib Shield final.
In a time of deepening crisis in West Indies cricket, it is imperative that the entire panel take every opportunity to assess its best players for selection for the present and future, especially when the Carib XI game was staged specifically for that purpose.
Sir Vivian has publicly expressed his disgust with the West Indies performances in this series while new manager Tony Howard has been issuing veiled threats.
Nothing wrong with that at all, but it does not mean that a seasoned, proven player like Chanderpaul with a clean disciplinary record, must be treated like a wayward rookie.
Sir Viv has hinted that he is fed up with the players, but fans have long lost all respect for his selection panel.