WIPA Contradicts WICB on Pay Raise

President of the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) Dinanath Ramnarine is contradicting reports that the players have reached a settlement for fee increases in the regional first-class competition.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) issued a release last Thursday outlining a new pay structure for the Carib Beer 2003 Cricket Series, but Ramnarine denied yesterday that agreement has been reached on the matter.

"The West Indies Players Association wishes to advise that contrary to media reports no settlement has been reached with respect to an increase for fees for players participating in the Carib Beer 2003 series," the WIPA chief said in a short statement.

Ramnarine said discussions are presently taking place between the WICB and the WIPA on this matter and added he hoped an amicable agreement could be reached as soon as possible.

"An announcement will be made as soon as we have come to an agreement with respect to first class fees which have not been increased for more than 12 years," Ramnarine said.

Last Thursday, the WICB announced a two-tiered fee increase for players, giving players without international experience a 20 per cent increase in their fees, twice the percentage increase of those with international experience behind them.