Of Disasters and Contracts

Whenever one thinks of the word disaster, those driven to hyperbole are prone to apply it to the humdrum disappointments in life, a dented fender on the new car, a loss by their favorite sporting team, and for the punters amongst us, any ducats they may have cared to wager thereof.

However, recent events in Asia and stretching as far as Africa put disasters into perspective. Cataclysmic would be a more apt description of the Tsunami that ravaged parts of coastal Asia and Africa, including the cricket playing nations of India, Sri Lanka Bangladesh and Kenya. My sympathies go out to them.

Most fans of West Indian cricket would still reserve the right to use the adjectives cataclysmic and disastrous to describe the recent multi-national sponsored imbroglio between WIPA and the WICB, which threatened to rent asunder West Indies cricket as we?ve come to love.

In a nutshell, WIPA is fighting for the right of individual players to retain their individual endorsement rights and for a larger share of sponsorship money. The WICB, as the de-facto accredited administrators of West Indian cricket, is fighting to reserve the right to determine which sponsors players sign with lest they wittingly or unwittingly, in their quest to secure their financial futures, are used as tools by savvy multi-national corporations to engage in a bit of ambush marketing.

It was the initial demand by WIPA though, for US$500,000 that had some observers of WI cricket scratching their collective heads. Here was a team that in tests had managed to win one more test match than Bangladesh did in the entire year of 2004; against the said Bangladesh. Along the way they drew two others. One in a rain-ruined encounter in St. Lucia, and the other on a shirt front of an ARG wicket. A wicket specifically prepared, according to head curator and ex WI fast bowler Andy Roberts, to stave off the impending whitewash by a rampant England.

The results in ODI contests were appreciably better; losing by a one game margin in South Africa, tying with England in the WI, beating Bangladesh, and winning the tri-nations competition. Then came the crowning achievement of the summer, winning the ICC trophy in the fading light at The Brit Oval in London.

This win, coupled with an infusion of much needed cash from the new sponsors Digicel, could have lent a much needed fillip to the game at the grass roots level where more effort must be put into the development of the game and facilities if West Indies are to regain their place among the elite teams in world cricket. Instead we have WIPA fighting for more money for the fortunate 14 selectees, and not a thought being spared for the first class players who while they may not be selected for national selection, are just as dedicated as those selected.

The WICB too, must share some of the blame for this sordid episode, in that they should recognize that they must seek to develop a symbiotic relationship with WIPA, and get a better feel for the players needs. Players should always be paid on time, and it is long past the time when the issue of central contracts should have been settled. WIPA also, in my view has fallen far short of its mandate.

I am yet to hear them pushing for the development of a professional league which would benefit all cricketers by presenting them with an opportunity to earn a livable wage at their chosen profession. Such a league could create an entire training ground for professionals such as physiotherapists, coaches, scorers and marketing staff.

Small and poor though we may be in the Caribbean, it is not beyond the realm of possibility to establish a functioning professional league that would benefit all the players. Unfortunately, the WICB, as presently constructed, may not have the vision or the will to carry out such an undertaking. It would therefore be wonderful if an organization like WIPA that is supposed to be player oriented and represent all the first class players in the Caribbean would make it part of its mandate to assist in the development pro league. I would welcome them holding the WICB?s feet to the fire in this regard.

Once the series in Australia is over, it will be back to the bargaining table, where no quarter will be asked and none given. I expect that Guyana?s Chetram Singh will play a leading role. The CEO Roger Braithwaite, has been too intransigent in his negotiations, and should take a backseat in the months to come. Chetram Singh could turn out to be the WICB?s Churchill in the upcoming boardroom battles.

All in all 2005 will be an interesting and pivotal year in the history of West Indies cricket, let all us fans hope that it ends on a positive and winning note with the West Indies team on the ascendancy.

* I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone who has read my columns and given me feedback, both positive and negative, a happy safe and healthy new year. See you in 2005.