West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has broken his silence following controversial comments made by head coach Daren Sammy regarding the pacer's absence from the current home Test series against Pakistan.

The friction began when Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the squad for the two-match series, stating that Joseph would miss the matches due to "personal reasons." However, Daren Sammy later told reporters that Joseph had been selected but chose not to accept the call-up, explicitly stating that the bowler had "declined selection."

Speaking on the Antigua Observer's Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, Joseph expressed his frustration, claiming that Sammy's words pushed a narrative that questioned his commitment to the national team.

"We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I've also had a chat with CWI, and if you realise the statement CWI released said personal reasons. Mr Sammy, being around for a long time, he knows exactly what that statement would have done so, to be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr Sammy in terms of his statement," Joseph said.

Injury Struggles and Workload Management

Joseph revealed that his decision was rooted in physical preservation. After suffering a second stress fracture in his lower back, the 29-year-old spent nearly a year on the sidelines, missing tours of India and New Zealand. He only returned to the international fold during the Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

The pacer explained that jumping into another Test series immediately after playing five back-to-back ODIs against New Zealand was a risk his body could not afford. "I knew to myself, my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context," he added.

Professionalism over Personalities

Despite the public disagreement, Joseph insisted that his relationship with the head coach would not impact his performance or his dedication to the West Indies.

"I'm a professional, so I'm going to go to work. I am representing the West Indies. I'm not representing Daren Sammy, so for me, I'm neither here nor there in terms of a relationship," Joseph asserted. "I don't go there to make friends. I go there to work and do a job and represent the people of the West Indies."