When it comes to finding gifted cricketers, Caribbean occupies the top slot in the world cricket map. A region that breeds more number of talented cricketers than any other country in the world, must have a strong player’s union and the players in the region has finally found their strong voice in WIPA, West Indies Players’ Association. The player’s union has taken to the open conflict with the West Indies Cricket Board on a long list of issues.

The dictatorial ways of WICB were never quite liked by the West Indian players. The players always questioned the way in which the board takes decision without consulting the players’ union, especially when it had been previously agreed between the two bodies, that decisions would be taken only on mutual agreement. In this situation, WICB’s giving nod to the tour of England in May, without consulting the players’ representatives added fuel to the fire as the series clashes with the dates with Indian premier League in which five West Indian players are going to feature. It will be worthwhile to mention here, West Indies was not in the original schedule; it replaced Sri Lanka only after the island country opted out of the series to allow its players participate in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

The discontent that was boiling for years took shape when Caribbean’s first-class cricketers decided to go on strike. The deadlock already resulted in the cancellation of some 11th-round matches in the WICB’s four-day competition, 10 days ago. Now to save the all important match of Friday, WICB president Dinanath Ramnarine is going to sit for a round of discussion with his counterpart in WIPA, Julian Hunte, in St Lucia.

Among other issues, there are the demands for a pay hike for the first-class players in the region. The list also includes demands for more advantageous retainer contracts, provision for the discussion about the late payments of fees, injury payments and the scheduling of upcoming regional and international tournaments. The West Indies captain Chris Gayle and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo were open with their frustrations with the board. “When there are issues to be dealt with, then they should be dealt with. I am still disappointed with the way things have gone. I think they (WICB) are still trying to bypass WIPA”, said the West Indian captain last Sunday. However, he is optimistic that issues will be resolved and the upcoming cricket match in St Lucia will go ahead according to the schedule.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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