Talks Collapse: WICB Turns to Players

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has selected the following players for the Tri Nation series against India and Australia which it is proposed will be played in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in September:

1. Brian Lara - Captain
2. Ramnaresh Sarwan
3. Chris Gayle
4. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
5. Runako Morton
6. Dwayne Bravo
7. Dwayne Smith
8. Carlton Baugh
9. Corey Collymore
10. Fidel Edwards
11. Ian Bradshaw
12. Jerome Taylor
13. Marlon Samuels
14. Wavell Hinds

On this occasion the invitations have been sent directly to the players, for in spite of our best efforts it has not been possible to reach agreement with their representative, Mr. Dinanath Ramnarine. Negotiations between Mr. Ramnarine and the WICB representative, Mr. Deryck Murray broke down on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006 and later discussions between Mr. Ramnarine and WICB President, Mr. Kenneth Gordon failed to break the stalemate.

It has now become imperative that we act if we are to participate in this series because of the tight timelines between now and the September tournament. In fact, the original timeline given to us has already been exceeded.

The offer made to the players will earn them between US$25,000+ at the lower end of the scale to US$59,000+ at the higher end of the scale, net of expenses for four (4) One Day matches with the prospect of each player earning an additional 50% on these fees if the West Indies qualifies for the final.

This represents an unprecedented 488% on normal match tour fees and 25% of the net revenue to be paid to the WICB for the series - An offer which was only possible because of the one-off nature of the series and the commitment of the WICB to enhance earnings of players whenever practicable.

The demands being made on behalf of the players were US$40,000 at the lower end of the scale and US$95,000 at the higher end of the scale, representing 40% of the net revenue to be paid to the WICB and a premium of 847% on normal match tour fees.

The Board considers that demand totally unacceptable and as much as it regrets the necessity to do so, has now extended invitations directly to the players selected.

Meanwhile, the WICB has accepted the invitation from the BCCI to participate in the tri-nation series. In the event that any of the players do not accept the invitation by Thursday, August 10th 2006 to play in the series, a suitable replacement will be chosen.