Lloyd stumped in WICB race

It was revealed yesterday that the 60-year-old former hard hitting left-handed batsman is ineligible to contest the position because he does not reside in the Caribbean.

Lloyd, who played 110 Test matches and was captain for 74 has been living in England since ending his international career and as such does not fit the criteria to challenge for the post.

It was confirmed yesterday that to be considered for the position on the WICB executive, the candidate must reside in the West Indies and there is no likelihood that the criteria will be waived to allow Lloyd to contest.

Precedent was set several years ago when Julian Hunte, then a board vice-president was appointed St Lucia’s representative to the United Nations In New York and was forced to give up his duties with the regional cricket organisation.

Lloyd, who formally announced his intention to seek nomination for the post to replace Teddy Griffith earlier this week was thought to be the frontrunner with a record of sterling accomplishments on the field and his present experience as a consultant travelling throughout the cricket world.

He is also employed with the International Cricket Conference (ICC) who have appointed him to officiate as match referee gaining notoriety with several controversial decisions.

The latest development places Trinidad and Tobago nominee Ken Gordon, a retired publisher and successful businessman as a shoo-in for the position.

Gordon, a former Government minister was approached to bid for the position and despite showing keen interest said he needed some time to carefully consider the proposal.

Yesterday a source close to the behind the scenes discussions among regional cricket heads disclosed that there should be some consensus soon which will hand Gordon the job on a silver platter.

Among those who had thrown their hat into the ring were Tony Marshall of Barbados; Pat Rousseau of Jamaica who is a former WICB president and Steve Camacho, who resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the board several years ago.

Their claims to the top job are not expected to be seriously entertained as the board members are said to be reluctant to appoint another Barbadian following Teddy Griffith and Rev Wes Hall.

"To put a Barbadian for the third consecutive term of office is not being entertained at this moment. It is unlikely also that they will go back to Rosseau or Camacho, who gave way because of ill health," said the Newsday souce speaking on strict annoymity.

Also in Gordon’s favour is the fact that the Windward and Leeward Islands do not have a nominee virtually ensuring that the Trinidadian gets the full support of the entire board when they meet on July 16 in St Martin in the British Virgin Islands to select a president.

The regional cricket bodies were thrown into the deep end last week when Griffith made the shock announcement that he would not be going up for re-election.

They said they were not being given enough time to properly select their nominees for the position which has forced the WICB to extend the deadline for the submission of names.

There are also concerns that the WICB may postpone the annual general meeting to allow time for more consesus building among the regional cricket heads.