``I don't think I will be around when Pakistan make a trip of the Caribbeans,'' Walsh said in his post-match conference. Pakistan will pay a return visit to the West Indies early 1999.
``Two years is a long time and I don't think I will be there. But it has always been wonderful to play against them. They are an outstanding side,'' said the 35-year-old Jamaican. Walsh said he has always respected the Pakistan team. ``I have always rated them very high.''
Wasim Akram, commenting on Walsh's decision, said he was very sad to learn this. ``He is such a fine sportsman and thorough gentleman. I am sad to learn that he has decided not to be around when Pakistan go there (West Indies) in 15 months time. ``Walsh is one of the greatest bowlers. He has been an inspiration to the youngsters at home and away. I am confident that quite a few batsmen of the world will be happy to learn this. ``He (Walsh) has reduced my victory celebrations,'' Akram added. Walsh is one of the most respected cricketers to have toured Pakistan.
The cricket enthusiasts have still not forgotten his act of great sportsmanship he displayed in the 1987 World Cup match at Lahore when he didn't run-out Salim Jaffar. The West Indies lost that game and crashed out of the World Cup but Walsh earned the reputation of a sporting cricketer who played positively and in the best spirit of the game. Walsh faced a barrage of questions ranging from his retirement to present state of the West Indies team. But regarding his retirement, he said: ``It is up to the West Indies cricket authorities. If they want me to stay, I will be available.'' West Indies manager Clive Lloyd said Walsh's services to the West Indies cricket and team were meritorious. According to sources, Courtney Walsh was expected to call it a day when he arrives in the hometown in Jamaica after the Sharjah tournament. Brian Lara, the world's most gifted batsman, is expected to take over from Walsh who took control of the team after Richie Richardson was fired after the 1996 World Cup.
Lloyd, whose West Indies was more accustomed to inflicting whitewashes, said paceman Curtly Ambrose will be flying back to the West Indies. ``He (Ambrose) will miss the Sharjah Champions Trophy as he wants more rest and treatment for his back injury,'' he said. Ambrose, who took just one wicket in the series, didn't play the final Test in Karachi. Lloyd said Ambrose was being rested so that he is in the best of shapes for the series against England starting in February next year.
``We were beaten because we batted poorly. But I think we will be a different team in the series against England,'' Lloyd said. West Indies squad for Sharjah is: Courtney Walsh (captain), Brian Lara (vice-captain), Stuart Williams, Sherwin Campbell, Philo Wallace, Carl Hooper, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Phil Simmons, Ronald Holder, David Williams, Ian Bishop, Franklyn Rose, Mervyn Dillon and Rawl Lewis.
Both West Indies and Pakistan teams leave for Sharjah Wednesday evening to compete in the four-nation tournament whose opener will be played between England and India on Dec 11. The final of the single league competition will be played on Dec 18.