West Indies batsman Ricardo Powell will not be able to accept a late offer to attend the Shell Cricket Academy now under way at St George's University in Grenada.

Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Gregory Shillingford, said that, while grateful for the opportunity, Powell had indicated he would be playing league cricket in England this summer.

Shillingford explained the Board decided to invite Powell to participate in the SCA's inaugural three-month programme after he was not among the 22 players chosen for the training camp for the West Indies upcoming tour to Zimbabwe and Kenya.

"We felt that a young talented player like Ricardo could benefit from this experience and we felt the opportunity should be made available to him although we had already announced the 24 players who would be in the Shell Cricket Academy," he said.

In thanking the WICB, St George's University and Shell for the invitation, the young cricketer indicated his alternative plans were finalised shortly after he learnt he would not be in the West Indies training camp.

"I appreciate this gesture by all parties involved with the Shell Cricket Academy, especially considering that the programme had already started. I wish I could have accepted but I had made plans to play cricket and train in England this summer.

"When I made my decision I had no idea the Academy would have been an option for me," said Powell, reaffirming his commitment to West Indies cricket.

Meanwhile, the WICB wishes to indicate that an incorrect statement by Chairman of Selectors, Mike Findlay, that Powell would attend the Academy was based on inaccurate information received by Findlay. At that time, he was not aware that Powell was unable to accept the offer.

© CricInfo Ltd.