West Indies may send second-string side to the 2016 World T20, as the top West Indian players have failed to reach an agreement in their contract impasse with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). As a result, WICB (West Indies Cricket Board) is now thinking to send a second-string side for the upcoming WT20 in India.
The situation has escalated after Michael Muirhead, the CEO of WICB, made it clear that players’ demand will not be entertained.
Muirhead said, “The terms on offer were negotiated and agreed between WICB and WIPA with the assistance of representatives from the ICC and FICA during a mediation process last year. And all parties agreed that they were fair and equitable and acceptable to be offered to the members (of the) WI team selected for the relevant ICC Event.”
He further added, “As mentioned in my previous email to you, this information was shared with all players following that process in May last year. Players were given an opportunity to discuss the new structure and no concerns were raised at that time. It is disappointing that you would choose to question the terms now, on the eve of the WT20 in India.”
Muirhead has given the deadline date to the players up to 14th February for accepting the contracts. Those players who will not confirm their accept before the deadline date will be dropped from the side.
Earlier, West Indies T20I skipper Darren Sammy had written to the board, “We want to represent the West Indies but the financials on offer we can’t accept.”
Sammy went on further, “Obviously I am not privy to exact numbers paid to the WICB from the ICC, but I understand USD 8m will be paid to the Board. Traditionally 25% has been paid to the squad. That would equate to USD 2m/15 therefore approximately USD 133,000 per player.”
”Worst case scenario the squad would earn USD 414,000 collectively under the terms of the contract offered by WICB to participate in the T20 World Cup 2016. That is just over 5%. A staggering difference, a near 80% reduction.”
The West Indies team has been already announced for the upcoming 2016 WT20 which comprises of star players and are former champions.