WICB talks tough

The WICB’s Cricket Committee — after a meeting in Antigua — stated in a press release late yesterday that it has waited long enough for WIPA to agree on what the board says is a “good offer” and finds the players’ reluctance to sign puzzling.

The governing body also said it is concerned about information reaching the board that “certain” players have entered discussions with “interests” competing with the WICB’s major sponsor.

The WICB said it might now be forced to pick “available” players for the forthcoming Digicel Home Series, since it is not prepared to delay beyond tomorrow in settling the issue.

“We shall therefore recommend to the WICB Board of Directors that a firm cut off point be established as Friday, April 21 2006 for the retainer contracts to be settled,” the WICB said in a release.

“Thereafter the team shall be selected based on those players who make themselves available,” the WICB said.

The WICB said it made a proposal to WIPA on January 12th 2006 on the issue of retainer contracts for West Indies Players.

“It was a good offer, fully competitive with other Full Member countries of the world,” the WICB stated.

“After some three months, we have been unable to conclude an agreement in spite of an increase on our original proposal of five percent.

“We have been at a loss to understand the reasons for this matter being dragged out as long as it has, until today. Information has now reached us that discussions are taking place between certain players and interests in direct competition with our major sponsor. We continue to hope that this information is incorrect,” the WICB stated.

The WICB Cricket Committee comprises Clive Lloyd (Chairman), Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Desmond Haynes, Deryck Murray and Ian Bishop.

On Tuesday WIPA president Dinanath Ramnarine had accused the WICB of slowing down the process of trying to conclude an agreement over “long-standing” issues. Ramnarine said a recent letter from WICB president Ken Gordon appeared not to rubber-stamp an agreement that been earlier reached with other WICB executives. (CMC)