FICA Slams 'Ridiculous' WICB Contract

The WICB's controversial match/tour contract is being described as "ridiculous" by the Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA).

Chief executive officer of FICA Tim May has thrown his support behind the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA), arguing that the players cannot possibly be expected to give away their individual rights without adequate compensation.

"They are conditions that no group of players or player association could possibly accept," May was quoted as saying. "It is ridiculous to suggest that players should agree to give away the right for third parties to use their image and attributes for advertising and promotional purposes without any financial consideration," he added.

May, a former Australian Test spinner, added: "It is equally ridiculous to suggest that players should agree to significant restrictions in the personal sponsorship market without any offer of financial compensation in return for those restrictions."

The FICA chief executive said player match fees in the West Indies were among the lowest in world cricket and made it clear that cricketers in the Caribbean rely heavily on personal endorsements to make a living from the game.

"If restrictions are to be applied to their ability to enter the endorsement market, those who seek these restrictions should adequately compensate the players," May added.