Player strike looms for West Indies

A possible player strike has thrown West Indies’ tour of India into chaos on the eve of the opening One-Day International in Kochi at 8pm tonight (AEDT).

The playing squad yesterday opted out of their training session as speculation mounted that frustration with the West Indies Cricket Board over payment cutbacks would lead to the first game of a five-match series being called off. 

The possible strike was confirmed in a media release from the WICB, which added: “The WICB deeply regrets this apparent eventuality, especially in light of the tedious and substantial work which went into the good faith negotiations to arrive at the new, historic CBA/MOU.

“The WICB apologises to the fans, the BCCI and all other stakeholders should the first ODI be disrupted as a result of player action.

“The WICB is making every effort to ensure that it fulfils all its commitments and that cricket is played.

“The WICB further thanks the BCCI, the host board, for their understanding and pleads with fans to exercise calm and patience.

“The Board trusts that a reasoned approach is taken and that the interest of cricket is served. The Board will make further announcements as may be necessary.”

The Mumbai Mirror reported that one senior West Indies player said some players’ match fees had been reduced by 75 per cent, while others had been taken away altogether, and that this information had only been relayed to the squad once they had arrived in India.

The situation has also been reportedly inflamed by the West Indies Players Association’s support of the WICB.

"The problem is that the union is not backing the players,” one former West Indies international told the Mumbai Mirror.

“We hope they sort out the mess and start playing.”