Pollard granted NOC but WICB firm on 20% levy

On Thursday, the WICB issued a letter to Pollard stating that they are not granting him a NOC to compete at the 2016 CSA (Cricket South Africa) T20 Challenge (formerly Ram Slam) and the Big Bash T20 tournament in Australia.

The letter also stated that a charge would be implemented in granting a NOC, which would be 20% of the player fee.

Yesterday Pollard confirmed that he was granted the NOC to compete in South Africa and Australia.

Pollard, who will represent Cape Cobras in the South Africa T20 tournament, said, “Yes it was granted an hour ago, a couple hours ago.” Pollard said he will try to leave Trinidad today in an effort to arrive in South Africa in time for his team’s opening match on Saturday.

Pollard said the 20% player fee was not discussed when he was granted the NOC, saying the NOC he received yesterday was the same NOC he has received in the past.

“That (20% player fee) was not discussed, that was not brought to my attention. Again from my understanding the NOC and what I have received is the same that we have been receiving all along so it is a change in position as to what they (WICB) would have said in their previous letter. It has been granted and it’s all about me going out now and trying to put some performances together.” WIPA has come out in defence of the players, stating that the new NOC charge is unacceptable.

The WIPA media release stated, “The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) takes note of the position taken by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on the condition for issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to West Indian players.

“WIPA believes an imposition of a NOC levy by the WICB is not the answer to the lack of coherent global scheduling. A centrally regulated and coordinated international cricket programme for all three formats is necessary for the improvement of global cricket.

As such, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will need to spearhead the complete restructure of the international cricket calendar.

“WIPA is totally against any new market restrictions or regulations that may limit our West Indian players. The present NOC levy of the WICB promotes the restraint of trade and is open to be challenged legally.” The release closed by saying, “to ensure that this matter is addressed immediately, we are proposing that the WICB meets with all stakeholders regionally (WIPA) and internationally (ICC, FICA) forthwith.” The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has defended its decision to impose a 20 percent levy on the contract fees of its T20 stars playing in overseas domestic tournaments, saying revenue raised will be used to aid the development of players in the territories.

A statement from the WICB released yesterday morning, says some of the funds will be disbursed as an incentive for territories to “expose new cricket talent”.

“A portion of these funds derived from these release fees will also go back to the clubs and franchises/ territories in recognition of the role they played in developing the player and as an incentive for them to continuously expose new cricket talent,” the statement said.