Some thoughts on the (new) WICB
commentary by ADRIEL RICHARDThere has been much discussion about the composition of the board of directors of the West Indies Cricket Board, some of which has been constructive, the rest of which malicious.
It has been recognised that the structure of the board of directors does not always lend itself to the informed discussion about the advancement of West Indies cricket that it should.
The exigencies of a new global order in sports mean that the operations of the WICB have to be conducted on a more efficient and professional basis to take advantage of the new opportunities that exist.
There is also an urgent need for the WICB to realise and maximise the strength of the historical component of the game in the Caribbean to enable it to benefit from the move towards a Caribbean Single Market and Economy.
The WICB must resolve therefore, to review not only the board, but its corporate structure, so that it can continue to be the principal organization promoting and controlling cricket in the Caribbean.
After some research and examination of the structure of other major cricket-playing nations, the structure outlined below seems the best fit for the WICB.
It is being proposed that the board of directors of the WICB should compose the following persons who will serve ex officio:
1. The President
2. The Vice President
3. The Honorary Treasurer
4. The Chief Executive Officer
5. The President or, in cases of unavailability, the Vice President from each of the six (6) territorial cricket associations which contest the West Indies first-class and limited-overs competition in the Caribbean
6. The President or, in cases of unavailability, the Vice President of the West Indies Women's Cricket Federation
7. The President or, in cases of unavailability, the Vice President of the West Indies Players' Association, duly nominated by such Association and which Association is a registered trade union and represents the majority of professional/first-class cricketers in the Caribbean
8. Two (2) independent directors, duly nominated by CARICOM Heads of Government through the Chairman of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket; and
9. One (1) independent director, duly nominated by the University of the West Indies through the office of the Pro Vice Chancellor
This appears to be the best fit for the WICB, and it would allow a wider contribution to the discussion about the development of West Indies cricket which many have suggested is necessary at this juncture.
To put a few things into perspective, the office bearers of the WICB would be the President, the Vice President, and the Treasurer. They will be elected for a two-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
There is one caveat for the post of Treasurer. The candidate should either be a certified accountant, or should have no less than seven years experience working in the financial industry, e.g. banking, accounting, insurance, financial services, etc.
Since the day-to-day affairs of the WICB are conducted by the CEO, he too, will serve on the board of directors, the Executive Committee and all other committees (except selection committees) in an ex officio capacity.
This is not a new idea, since research has shown that the CEO and Deputy CEO of the England & Wales Board also sit on their board of directors.
Obviously, the CEO should more often than not be well apprised of all major developments that would impact on the operation of the WICB, so he can also function in the role of an Honorary Secretary, although some people favour a Corporate Secretary in this regard.
Since the six territorial boards are at the heart of cricket in the Caribbean, they should continue to have a say in the way things should operate.
It has become clear however, there is not always room for independent thought among the territorial directors, since invariably they come with a mandate from their own boards.
The WICB should also use its best endeavours to encourage territorial associations to impose term limits - at their discrestion - on the officers of their boards. This would ensure that "the usual suspects" do not always attend WICB directors' meetings.
The WICB can suggest that officers of territorial association be limited to similar terms as the WICB President, and they cannot seek re-election to such high positions until 10 years after they have demitted such positions.
The addition of the President of the WIWCF would help with the integration of women's cricket into the mainstream of West Indies cricket under the mandate of the International Cricket Council, the sports world governing body, and hopefully, it would allow a female voice to be heard in the decision-making processes.
Facetiously, many people believe that WIPA have been able to articulate its position much clearer that the WICB in recent negotiations, and they have a pulse for what the players think about the way things should proceed.
The addition of the President of WIPA would, therefore, give a stronger voice to the players and it would also give them more insight into what challenges face the managers of the game in the region which should help them to act more responsibly and encourage their members to be more diligent.
WIPA must be urged however, to select a domicile for the organization and it should become a registered trade union in that jurisdiction so that it would become more efficient and professional in its day-to-day operations.
Again, many people believe that Caribbean Governments should be involved in the management of the game in the region, and they also believe there is an educational component necessary for the game to grow.
Giving Governments and UWI a stake in the WICB through the nomination of independent directors would again - hopefully - broaden the scope of discussion that emanates around the table at board of directors' meetings.
* Adriel Richard is a media producer and sports correspondent from Barbados.