Embattled Shivnarine Chanderpaul yesterday announced he was quitting as West Indies team captain with immediate effect.

His resignation, a year after he was appointed, comes as no surprise against the background of a disappointing team record and a marked decline in his usually reliable batting.

"This would give me an opportunity to focus on my batting and other areas
of my cricket . . . where I would be able to make a more significant contribution to the team, by being more focused on my batting, etc," Chanderpaul said in a release.

"I have served my time as the captain and would like to pass the mantle on to another person. I will fully support my replacement, and work towards the good of the team.

"I would like to thank all who worked with me during my tenure as captain, and I am looking forward to continuing my hard work for West Indies cricket."

Chanderpaul's resignation comes less than three weeks ahead of the forthcoming 2006 Digicel home series.

Under Chanderpaul, West Indies won one Test in 14 and his batting deteriorated.

In One-Day Internationals, West Indies won two of 16 matches when Chanderpaul was captain, one of which when his deputy Sylvester Joseph was in charge.

West Indies Cricket Board president Ken Gordon contacted Chanderpaul to thank him for his services to West Indies cricket.