WICB on Greenidge: What Conflict?

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Rev. Wes Hall does not see a conflict of interest in Gordon Greenidge's dual role as senior West Indies selector and consultant to the Bangladesh World Cup team.

Clearly responding to a CaribbeanCricket.com editorial which cited a conflict of interest and called for Greenidge's resignation, Rev. Hall argues there is no conflict if Greenidge's Bangladesh work doesn't coincide with his work as a selector.

Speaking to the Barbados Nation, the WICB boss said "it could lead to a problem" if the two duties clashed. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said Greenidge's appointment as a consultant would run until January 31 (today), but Reverend Hall noted that the former opening batsman would be unavailable for the first three rounds of the Carib Beer Series.

"I do understand the great consternation it will cause in some circles in terms of conflicts of interests, but I would say that as soon as Gordon gets back, we will speak to him on the issue," Hall said.

"The board feels that when you employ a selector, he is employed from one match to another or from one tour to another. If a selector therefore had a job in between tours, we cannot in all honesty command that he stays here unless you had him in contract," Hall added.

West Indies selectors are not contracted by the board and are seen as unpaid volunteers although they receive stipends and travel, accommodation and meal allowances while scouting the regional tournaments.

"If it happens during the time we are playing cricket...if it is not a conflict of interest, it is something that we do not think can be tolerated," Hall added. "We have to talk to Gordon. We don't really want to go and slam him behind his back."

Despite the WICB's stance on the matter, observers noted that a clear conflict of interest already exists even if Greenidge does not work with Bangladesh during the World Cup. Greenidge was already a part of the panel that selected the West Indies team and has already worked with Bangladesh as a consultant.

Bangladesh is in the same group World Cup group with the West Indies.