Desmond Haynes replaces Roger Harper as West Indies lead selector

Desmond Haynes has been appointed as West Indies men's lead selector, replacing Roger Harper in the role.

Haynes, the opening batter who scored over 15,000 international runs for West Indies, was confirmed at a meeting of CWI's board of directors on Thursday.

He has signed a contract that runs until June 2024, and his role as selector will span two T20 World Cups and a 50-over World Cup.

Haynes has not been directly involved in the game in recent years, though was shortlisted as a candidate for West Indies men's head coach in 2019 before being beaten to the role by Phil Simmons.

"I would like to thank president [Ricky] Skerritt and the CWI board of directors for giving me the opportunity to serve West Indies cricket once again," Haynes said. "Being a selector is a thankless task, but a critical role in our cricket system and I am honoured to be appointed.

"I have always indicated that I would assist West Indies cricket in any way possible and I see this as an opportunity to do just that. I pledge to carry out my duties in a fair and professional manner."

Haynes takes over from Harper, whose two-year contract expired at the end of 2021. Jimmy Adams, CWI's director of cricket, was responsible for the appointment of a successor, with Simmons picking the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Ireland and England.

Meanwhile, Ramnaresh Sarwan has been added to the selection panel for the men's senior and youth-level teams. He has stepped down from his role as chair of the Guyana Cricket Board to avoid any conflict of interest.