BCA back Marshall for WICB top post

"The Barbados Cricket Association’s Board has endorsed me as its candidate for the presidency of West Indies cricket," Marshall told CMC Sports on Saturday.

The BCA now needs to find a "seconder" from among the six territories which comprise the Board, with nominations scheduled to close on June 15. Once that is completed, Marshall’s name will go forward to the WICB’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for July 16, where a vote will be taken on those nominated for the post.

Marshall told CMC Sports that his interest in the affairs of West Indies cricket was "on going" and as a result, he was always willing to serve the sport in the region. He also said that having served in the top post of the BCA for several years and having been involved in a long career in banking, he brought solid qualifications to his bid.

"I have been an ardent fan of cricket — Barbados cricket, West Indies cricket — all my life... my interest has been ongoing," Marshall explained. "I have been the president of the Barbados Cricket Association before, I’ve served on the West Indies board for five or six years. My experience in my profession as a banker has exposed me to different countries, different people, different customs and I think all of that would assist me in meeting the requirements of the post, administratively as well as professionally."

The WICB has navigated rough waters in recent time, highlighted in a bitter stand, off with the West Indies Players Association recently over sponsorship matters involving Digicel and Cable and Wireless.

Relations between the two bodies remain strained and they are currently locked in negotiation over match/tour contracts for the forthcoming Sri Lankan tour and retainer contracts.

Marshall believes however, that he can make a difference in the Board’s fortunes. "If I felt I could not give it my best effort and my best skills, I would not seek the position," Marshall said. "I’ve never been afraid of a challenge... my job and my career have always exposed me to challenges and I see this as another one in which I would be willing to make an effort. One can never succeed if one’s concern is only to avoid failure."