WICB directors adopt Task Force recommendations

Wed, Jan 14, '15

St John’s, Antigua –The Board of Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board met in Antigua on Saturday, January 10, 2015. The Board deliberated on a number of matters including cricketing, governance, developmental, commercial and financial.

Significantly the Board of Directors adopted the recommendations of the Michael Gordon QC-chaired Task Force which examined matters leading to the premature end of the tour of India.

1.    Task Force Report

 The Board adopted the recommendations of the report as follows:

(i)           The WICB will plan a team building activity in the first week of April, prior to the start of the England tour of the Caribbean. This activity will be geared towards building greater understanding and trust among the players, the Board of Directors and the WICB management.

(ii)          The Team Manager is the designated head of the West Indies Team delegation and reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The Head Coach is responsible for team performance.

(iii)        The players will be issued with Match/Tour contracts at least three weeks prior to departure for/start of a series.

(iv)        The WICB will pursue engaging the services of a Sports Psychologist for the West Indies Senior Team. The WICB will also pursue engaging the services of a Mental Skills Coach at the developmental levels.

(v)          The WICB will develop a Players Handbook which will be issued to all players. The handbook will outline responsibilities, expectations, protocols, standards and matters of general conduct.

The Board of Directors thanked Mr. Gordon, Sir Wes Hall and Sir Richard Cheltenham for their thorough and extensive work on the Task Force.

2.    Following the application process the WICB has finalized a shortlist of seven candidates for the position of Head Coach of the West Indies Team. The Board received a status report on the process. Preliminary interviews are being conducted and the intention is to have the position filled after the Cricket World Cup. Until such time Stuart Williams will continue to function in the position of Coaching Coordinator with the West Indies Team.

3.    The Board reviewed the Patterson and Wilkin reports on governance and made various recommendations for the adoption of systems to improve the governance structure. Discussions are ongoing.

4.    The Board approved a new policy for enhanced player care. St John’s, Antigua –The West Indies Cricket Board has instituted a new policy which is aimed at enhancing player care in Professional Cricket League (PCL).

 The WICB will cover the costs (airfare, accommodation and per diem/meals) for the inclusion of a physiotherapist in each of the regional participating squads in the PCL.

 The Board of Directors, at a meeting on Saturday last approved the policy on the recommendation of the Cricket Committee. This move will ensure that each team has a dedicated physiotherapist to treat and attend to the medical needs of the players during the tournaments. Previously medical resources were shared or appointed on an ad hoc basis.