WIPA Says WICB Contravened Deal

The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) says the WICB's decision to remove Dwayne Bravo from the list of players chosen for annual retainer contracts is a blatant contravention of several agreements.

"In the circumstances, regrettably, WIPA will have to take such steps as to protect the rights and interests of its members as we deem necessary," WIPA said in a statement released on July 19.

The association said it is appealing to the WICB "to review its position and meet with WIPA in the interest of West Indies cricket."

"The decisions taken by the WICB with regard to Dwayne Bravo and Brian Lara have significant implications for these players and, by extension, other members of WIPA."

In the statement, WIPA said the ICC/FICA ruling on the issues pertaining to the respective commercial and promotional rights and obligations of players is "binding on both parties" and charged that the WICB was now disregarding that deal.

"[The WICB's] decisions contravene fundamental aspects of the agreements," WIPA said.

"We had hoped to obviate such a situation when we met with the Board last week and once again sought information which had been promised to us by mutual agreement dated 22nd June, pertaining to the players the Board wished to place under Retainers. In spite of all of our efforts throughout last week, the Board stoutly refused for reasons not explained at the time, but which have now become obvious from their Press Release," it added.