WICB leave Pollard stumped with 20% tax

Apart from being denied the NOC, a letter from the WICB to Pollard explained that a charge equivalent to 20 percent of the player fee will now be implemented before granting a NOC.

When the Newsday contacted Pollard yesterday, the allrounder did not want to comment in detail as the matter may go down the legal route. Pollard said, “If this needs to go legal and stuff like that, I don’t want to say anything just yet to jeopardise anything else. What I will say is that I have been refused the NOC at this point in time and I was supposed to be flying (to South Africa) this afternoon.” Pollard was dropped by the West Indies selectors for the tri-nation series with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe starting November 14. The WICB stance is also particularly surprising as Pollard is also not contracted to the WICB.

The letter to Pollard signed by WICB Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead, stated, “The Board of Directors of WICB, has taken a policy decision on the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOC’s) and has communicated its stance to all ICC Full Members CEO’s and Presidents. The WICB will levy a charge for the granting of an NOC for West Indian Cricketers seeking a release to participate in Leagues outside the jurisdiction of the West Indies. This will be an amount equivalent to 20% of the player fee (as defined in the player contract) that is actually paid to the relevant player.

All NOCs will be subject to West Indies International commitments and, in respect of centrally contracted players, official domestic cricket matches in the West Indies.” The letter added, “The influx of various domestic T20 tournaments raises an interesting opportunity for a player to significantly maximise his earnings.

WICB however, having invested in developing a player’s talent, is not able to realize a return on its investment if the player is not available to play in local tournaments, which would allow lesser experienced players the opportunity to face more experienced and skilled opposition, thereby improving on the standard and competitiveness of the domestic tournament.

“In addition, the player is unavailable to mentor and develop younger players and to otherwise contribute to the overall growth of the game and its development infrastructure. It has become a system that disadvantages nations like the WICB, who have traditionally developed players who are particularly skilled in the shortest format of the game.

In the end, it compromises the standard of the WICB’s international team and that team’s performance internationally. The primacy of international cricket is threatened (Article 32A, ICC Regulations).

“While we do not wish to act in restraint of trade, we must seek a balance to ensure that there is fair and adequate compensation for the investment made in the players.

What WICB seeks is some compensation to recognize the investment made into players, an investment from which another Full Member is benefiting.

WICB understands that this policy decision may result in reciprocal agreements from other Full Member boards for obtaining NOC’s for their players, but we view this approach as necessary to preserve the best interests of West Indies cricket at both domestic and international level. It is our expectation too, that the accumulation of these fees will facilitate the offer of contracts to players participating only in the short format of the game.” The letter closed by saying, “As we are in the process of discussions with the various Full Members as to their acceptance of our position, we are not able to agree to your request until we receive feedback from the various affected member boards. We thank you for your patience and we expect to be able to communicate with you soon on your request for an NOC.”