WICB respond to player strike threat

The West Indies Cricket Board have responded to the threat of strike action made by ODI skipper Dwayne Bravo, saying they’re baffled by the situation and will work to ensure the India ODI series goes ahead.

At the time of writing, the Windies players were on the bus to the ground in Kochi for the first ODI, a day after Bravo said they would down tools if the salary agreement between the WICB and West Indies Player Association was not clarified.

Bravo alleged that Wavell Hinds, the WIPA boss, did not consult with the national players before agreeing the new deal, which will see them take big salary cuts. He demanded clarity over the deal, and wanted to know exact figures from sponsorships and the like.

The WICB said: “The West Indies Cricket Board has been advised that a number of players forming the West Indies One Day International squad currently in India, and scheduled to play five ODIs, commencing with the first ODI tomorrow, Wednesday October 8, have expressed concerns to WIPA on a number of issues relating to the CBA/MOU recently signed by WICB and WIPA.

“It has also come to the WICB’s attention that the some of the players could withdraw their services for the first ODI. The WICB deeply regrets this apparent eventuality, especially in light of the tedious and substantial work which went into the good faith negotiations to arrive at the new, historic CBA/MOU.

“The WICB apologises to the fans, the BCCI and all other stakeholders should the first ODI be disrupted as a result of player action. The WICB is making every effort to ensure that it fulfills all its commitments and that cricket is played.

“The WICB further thanks the BCCI, the host board, for their understanding and pleads with fans to exercise calm and patience. The Board trusts that a reasoned approach is taken and that the interest of cricket is served. The Board will make further announcements as may be necessary.”