Retired West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich is suing Cricket West Indies for close to US$172,000 for loss of earnings in a lawsuit filed last month in the High Court of Barbados.

He is seeking special damages for being considered ineligible for selection in Tests between February 2021 and August 2022.

The lawsuit stemmed from the process CWI used three years ago to deny Dowrich a renewal of his central retainer contract, which was valued at about US$150,000 and is also seeking a sum for general damages because of the wrongful determination of his status.

CWI was served recently in Antigua and will have 28 days to acknowledge the receipt of the lawsuit, and a further 14 days to file a defense, with a possible hearing date in mid-April.

The 32-year-old Barbadian played 35 Tests and a single ODI for the Caribbean after he made his international debut in a Test against Australia nine years ago in Dominica.

Dowrich last played for West Indies on the Tour of New Zealand four years ago when he suffered a finger injury, and he later asked to be released from the tour citing personal reasons.

He was the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman at the time but was not offered a new retainer contract the following year.

Dowrich was most recently named in the 13-member Barbados Pride squad for next month’s start of the West Indies Championship, after he officially retired from international cricket.

His decision led to his withdrawal from the West Indies squad for their One-Day International home series against England in December.