NATIONAL wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh’s Jnr absence from the recent training sessions conducted by the Jamaica senior cricket team has sparked concern whether he will make the 14-man squad for the upcoming Regional Super50 tournament.

The Jamaica Observer understands that his absence from training is as a result of a stand-off between the player and the national selection panel, headed by chairman Wavell Hinds.

The final Super50 squad is expected to be named by January 10.

The selection panel named a 45-member training unit recently, however, it is said that problems arose after Baugh requested a day off from practice when he realised there was a clash with personal business he had to undertake on December 20.

The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) secretariat, it is alleged declined the request, however, the 31-year-old Baugh missed that training session.

The sidelined West Indies glove man was subsequently told that he will not be allowed to take part in team practice until a disciplinary hearing was held.

When called on his mobile phone, the association’s secretary Fritz Harris said he had to peruse documents pertaining to the matter before making a statement. Newly-elected JCA president Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven said yesterday that a hearing will be held “one day this week”.

Heaven said: “He [Baugh] is not a part of the training squad now, but it doesn’t mean he is no longer a part of the team. That matter is to be dealt with and there is a process to be followed.”

Baugh declined to comment when he was contacted by the Observer. But a source said he has shown up for each session since, going through his paces away from the core of the squad.

The JCA boss said that a strict approach is being taken towards discipline within the national cricket set-up.

“Let me just tell you that the fundamental thing is that this or any other sport can’t go forward with any form of indiscipline, especially when senior players are involved, so you can either lead by example or be an example,” Heaven said.

Baugh, Jamaica’s most prominent wicketkeeper/batsman in recent times, made his first-class debut in 2000-01. In 102 first-class matches he has scored 12 centuries and 22 half-centuries at an average of 32.87. He has taken 205 catches and executed 24 stumpings.

In domestic 50-overs cricket he averages 22.01 from 99 outings. He has 101 catches and 27 stumpings to his name in that format.

He has played 21 Test matches and 47 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies. His last assignment came in the home Test series against Australia in April 2012.

Baugh was a part of the Jamaica Tallawahs team that won the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 tournament earlier this year.

The Jamaica cricket team is preparing for the Super50 competition to be staged in Trinidad & Tobago, starting in late January.

— Sherdon Cowan and Sanjay Myers