West Indies board chief says fight with players is over

Kingston (Jamaica), Jan 25 (IANS/CMC) Recently appointed chief executive officer (CEO) of West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Michael Muirhead has declared an end to the once turbulent relationship between the board and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

Muirhead, who replaced Ernest Hilaire late last year, says the strained relationship is now history since there has been improvement between the two bodies, reports CMC.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, the CEO expressed confidence that the WICB and WIPA can now work together in the interest of regional cricket.

“I have heard about this thing with WIPA, but I have an excellent relationship with them. And I think they are definitely changing as the whole dispensation of the tug-of-wars and always at each others’ throat is now history,” said Muirhead.

Former WIPA CEO Dinanath Ramnarine and WICB former CEO Hilaire have been at loggerheads throughout the St. Lucian’s three-year tenure with several matters having to be settled in court.

Relations between Hilaire and Ramnarine had become a cause of major concern with reports that a meeting between the two threatened to erupt into a physical showdown.

Muirhead was recently invited as guest speaker at WIPA’s annual general meeting (AGM), triggering speculation that the relationship which has been marred by controversy may now be mellowing.

“That speaks volumes because it has not been done in a long time. It serves no purpose to keep going at each others’ throat, we must come together and look for settlements in areas that need to be settled and compromise where we have to compromise,” said Muirhead.

IANS 2013-01-25 18:50:02