WI Board, players settle dispute

BRIDGETOWN: The West Indies Cricket Board and the players’ association have settled a long-running dispute over endorsement and sponsorship contracts, the International Cricket Council announced yesterday. ICC head Malcolm Speed said that the two sides have reached “a balanced and pragmatic solution” after months of talks, although he declined to give details pending approval from the WICB and players’ association. Several top West Indies cricketers, including Brian Lara, were excluded from a July tour of Sri Lanka due to an impasse between players and the board over players’ rights to personal endorsements against overall team sponsorship

They were replaced by less experienced players, and the team was beaten in both Tests and in three of four One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and India. “Both sides have made a number of concessions in order to find a solution, and, from a player’s perspective, I think what has been agreed to will now ensure that the best players are representing West Indies in international cricket,” said Tim May, CEO of the Federation of International Cricketers Associations, which helped mediate the dispute. The West Indies Cricket Board and the Players’ Association didn’t immediately comment on the announcement, which would end a dispute that has simmered since last November. The West Indies are currently touring Australia with their first-string squad. (AP)