Adams steps away from JCA

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

After just over two years on the job, James 'Jimmy' Adams will not be returning to his position as technical director of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA).

JCA President Paul Campbell confirmed to The Gleaner that Adams, whose two-year contract had expired on November 30 last year but was extended a further four months to coincide with the end of the regional four-day tournament, will not be extending his contract.

Campbell said the former West Indies Test captain told him that he wanted to pursue other interests.

"It has been my pleasure to work with the JCA for the past 2¹/² years and contribute to the growth and development of Jamaica's cricket," said Adams in a two-paragraph release issued to the media yesterday. "I leave my post with wonderful memories, confident that cricket in Jamaica will continue to thrive and make its indelible mark on both the regional and international stage."

Coincidentally, Gus Logie, who had signed a four-month contract last November, is also not returning as head coach.

Following an unsuccessful attempt at the regional Twenty20 title, Logie helped guide the national team to the West Indies Cricket Board Regional Four-day Tournament title, after they defeated the Combined Colleges and Campuses by eight wickets in the final last weekend.

Logie had replaced the long-serving Junior Bennett as head coach, after Adams recommended to the JCA that Bennett be replaced.

Adams was appointed in November 2008 and mandated to improve the quality and standard of the game in Jamaica. He had responsibility for the creation of a Player Pathway Development Programme, the development of the JCA's coaches, trainers and development officers.

During his tenure, Jamaica won two regional four-day titles, but no one-day or Twenty/20 trophies.

Adams, who during his 18-year cricketing career played 54 Tests and 110 ODIs, is an England and Wales Cricket Board certified Level III coach and was earlier this year appointed as the president of the Federation of International Cricketers' Association. He succeeded Barry Richards, who had been in the position since the body's formation in 1999.