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The West Indies cricket team has retained legal counsel in its bid to overturn the contentious Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed on their behalf by West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president Wavel Hinds in September.
(Courtesy AP)
The agreement was allegedly struck without the approval or knowledge of the cricketers and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron’s refusal to renegotiate with the players provoked the untimely end of the recent India series as the team refused to play. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already signalled its intention to sue the WICB for a loss of earnings due to the aborted tour.
West Indies One Day International (ODI) captain Dwayne Bravo said, in a press release, that the team was united on the matter along with several unnamed regional players. But he conceded that Jamaican all-rounder Marlon Samuels was a notable exception.
“We do not wish to make any further statements on this matter since the players on tour (except Mr Samuels) with some additional players who did not tour India,” stated Bravo, “have appointed Counsel to represent them in this matter.
“We look forward to a speedy resolution and that our concerns, and that of all players including the first class players, are addressed in a satisfactory and timely manner.”
In the aftermath of the aborted tour, Samuels, who is not a member of WIPA, criticised the players’ decision to strike and, in a newspaper interview, claimed that he took no part in the team’s deliberations.
But Bravo countered that Samuels, if quoted correctly, was being dishonest.
“I note the comments attributed to Mr Marlon Samuels from media reports and wish to state that Mr Samuels was invited to and did attend the majority of meetings with the players on tour,” said Bravo. “We extended an invitation to Mr Marlon Samuels with the full knowledge that he is not a member of WIPA but was an interested party. Mr Samuels contributed vigorously to the discussions held and indicated clearly, at that time, that he would stand with any decision taken by the team.
“I am therefore shocked to see the statements, if true, that have been attributed to Mr Samuels.”
The Trinidad and Tobago all-rounder also expressed regret at being singled out for actions taken by the team and stressed that he was nominated to take the lead by his colleagues.
“I wish to state for the record that all correspondence sent and decisions taken were with the full agreement and consent of the players on tour,” said Bravo, “including the current Test captain Mr Denish Ramdin and the T/20 captain Mr Darren Sammy. It was agreed that someone needed to correspond with WIPA after we were presented with the match/tour contract in India when it became evident that the terms and conditions were very different from what we were accustomed to and expected.
“The team members met and I, as captain, was nominated and accepted the responsibility to correspond on behalf of the players on tour and I will continue to do so as designated.”
Bravo thanked colleagues and fans of the West Indies team for their support although he criticised those who blamed the players for the debacle.
“I want to say on behalf of the players in the squad, while we are grateful for the tremendous support and understanding shown to us by our colleagues, friends and fans around the world,” he said, “and in particular those in the Caribbean and India. We recognize that a few have attempted to put the blame squarely on the players without the full knowledge of the facts.
“This is regrettable since a few persons are making statements without knowing all the relevant facts.”
(Dwayne Bravo press release)
Dear Members of the Media,
I would like to take the opportunity to clarify some of the inaccurate statements that has been circulating the media regarding the India tour 2014.
Much of the reporting on this situation seems to be concentrating primarily on me and not on the fact that the action taken was in concert with all of the members of the squad. Only of late it appears that the action was taken by all but one of the WI squad in India.
I wish to state for the record that all correspondence sent and decisions taken were with the full agreement and consent of the players on tour including the current test captain Mr Denish Ramdin and the T/20 Captain Mr Darren Sammy. It was agreed that someone needed to correspond with WIPA after we were presented with the match/tour contract in India when it became evident that the terms and conditions were very different from what we were accustomed to and expected.
The team members met and I, as Captain, was nominated and accepted the responsibility to correspond on behalf of the players on tour and I will continue to do so as designated.
I note the comments attributed to Mr. Marlon Samuels from media reports and wish to state that Mr. Samuels was invited to and did attend the majority of meetings with the players on tour. We extended an invitation to Mr. Marlon Samuels with the full knowledge that he is not a member of WIPA but was an interested party. Mr. Samuels contributed vigorously to the discussions held and indicated clearly, at that time, that he would stand with any decision taken by the team.
I am therefore shocked to see the statements, if true, that have been attributed to Mr. Samuels.
I want to say on behalf of the players in the squad, while we are grateful for the tremendous support and understanding shown to us by our colleagues, friends and fans around the world and in particular those in the Caribbean and India, we recognize that a few have attempted to put the blame squarely on the players without the full knowledge of the facts. This is regrettable since a few persons are making statements without knowing all the relevant facts. In time we believe all the facts will come to light.
We do not wish to make any further statements on this matter since the players on tour (except Mr. Samuels) with some additional players who did not tour India have appointed Counsel to represent them in this matter.
We look forward to a speedy resolution and that our concerns, and that of all players including the first class players, are addressed in a satisfactory and timely manner.
Sincerely,
Dwayne Bravo
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He’s ah real snake boi…
WICB must stop bullying the players this can have only one outcome
Really? Wi cricket has reached an all time low. Bravo et al are a bunch of average players and the least said about the incompetent administrators included wasteful Wavell the better.
Well said Wendell Bowen couldn’t agree more,he’s such a jackass with no apologies!
Everybody knows who took Lara’s wicket in his farewell match and it must be mentioned and never forgotten. Samuels has always come across to me as a selfish own way sort of person. No surprise with him in this scenario
Oh geez forget the run out nah man…Every time ppl go bring up that incident?..wat sense dat makes…really?…from the media release…there seems to be no firm affirmation on the part of bravo..that samuels actually made those conflicting statements…I’m sure more is to come. .so just watch and see….
Firstly, Mr. Samuels run out the honorable BC Lara and now he back stabbing the rest of the Team, he never looks like a team player
Don’t forget he was involved in match fixing allegedly
Reasoning gone out of the door. Start bashing. I would wait on the outcome. My regional pride takes control. I have always supported West Indian cricket even travelling to see them play in the territories and losing my money.. I am no part time lover and I do respect all the players although I get mad at them sometimes.
HATS OFF TO OUR NEW BREED OF CRICKETERS… Had a visit by the BRAVO BROTHERS and their Father, with another Mighty, ATAKLAN… Got pre-birthday gifts already! What an exciting Evening! These YOUNG MEN are of our finest material, fitted well, ahead to a more confident Future! Eye was taken by their willingness to listen and Reflect among the laughter at LEGACY HOUSE… We are indeed Blessed.
Ravi Kurjah WI Cricket in a mess WICB is a Hot Mess – when Cameron took over I thought Wonderful a breathe of fresh air, but oh how wrong I was – I am seriously disappointed with Wavell Hinds and why has Dinanath been so quiet on this whole farce sigh – I pray this sorry mess gets sorted out quickly, although I doubt it – As for Marlon Samuels, another snake in the grass – We will Rise Again, you are too young to remember Kerry Packer 🙂 that was a controversial good time lolol thanks for posting x
Is it true that Marlon Samuels is not truly a great team player and that’s the reason why he was out in his own as he said negotiating for himself in match fixing? Do you Remember he was in trouble of the accusations?
Of course he will but as a traitor to the cause and one whose ego is bigger than the world…..
Commenting early in the piece, Kay Dee uses the term “ill-advised.” That adjective, I submit, is applicable to so much of this, including both the actions of the major protagonists and the comments of contributors here, that I want to urge restraint. Let us all strive to arrive at conclusion based on the available UNCHALLENGED information rather than jump to conclusions on the basis of the views that most closely reflect or own.
So Marlon Samuels jump out and trying to railroad West Indies cricket again. Samuels is a disgraced West Indian and should never wear our colours. He is a convicted cheat is what he is. And one with no discipline. Even his fellow Jamaicans (Nikita Miller notably) has nothing good to say about him.
samuels has been trying for years to be the best wi batsman and his ego is all he have . scoring 2 100s and stayin away from making serious decisions with the team just show the kind of person he is, at the end of the day he will never go down in history ..
like Samuels applying to be captain….smh
Keep the fight Bravo……
If indeed it is true, Mr. Samuels has not acted in good faith
Samuel was never a split since he was never represented by WIPA…If he a member of WIPA then it was a SPLIT……..
Jamaican for Jamaican what can you expect. He could have stayed and played in India if he wanted. However if they are successful he will be happy to take the increase.
Time to dissolve West Indies cricket team and let the Jamacians stick together and pay the bank-rupting BCCI law suit. The region has seperate football sides and so too should the cricket. We have had enough of WIBC and their misfits.
Jamaican homebuoys,we have not forgotten him and the rest of them who gave BCL a hard time
Praying for all windies cricketers. ..starting from the top
Once a snake always a snake.
Agree with you Chica. A real snake.
I never trust Samuels, from the time he run out Brian Lara, to the time he was banned by the ICC for match fixing. Samuels is a very sneaky, sly fella, you could watch him and see. Anyway, Bravo I support you my brother.
Don’t want to spend time on the inevitable shootout but rather on the ‘where from here’. Time shall bring some perspective but I foresee significant censure for the West Indies abroad, short term. The scenario screams for CARICOM to take over and I’m an optimist so hopefully we have something more positive to discuss this time next week.
BCCI suing WICB not the players, WICB possibly has a case against WIPA, which has no money, waste of litigation
No walls closing on them, the players will be the least affected, the worst that can happen to them is they are. no longer selected amd cant play for WI….., the WICB has no legal case against them and they will continue to play their name in IPL where they are recognised brand names
Too long to text here and not bothering with the Samuels issue, but there is now a bill to be paid with no bailouts in play. Who’s going to own this catastrophe?
LL, as discussed. These guys have been poorly advised and with the ICC out the door, the walls are about to start closing in.
Ha ha ha. Bakanal like dat. What else can u expect from a man who intentionally runs out the greatest batsman of his generation in a world cup match – on d world stage. He is a fifth column – that Samuels.
Samuels plays cricket just like this. Sometimes he is there and sometimes he pretends to be there
Man these days doh remember when your word used to be your bond
Smh why am I not surprised by Mr. Samuels
Samuels again!!!! He’s a set up Jamaican. What you expect.
Methinks Marlon is setting the scene for the aftermath of this brouhaha. As an acknowledged non-WIPA member who allegedly distanced himself from the actions of the rest of the players, if the hammer blow of non-WI selection is used as retaliation by the WICB, he has put himself in pole position not only for immediate selection but captaincy by default! But his playing-smart-with-stupidness could backfire on him badly if the players press through with their legal claim against WIPA. Should the players be successful and the present CBA/MoU is quashed and subsequently renegotiated, where does that leave him in terms of team relationship and morale? History has not been kind to those who willfully presented themselves as scab labour when the unionised cause was just …
Strange. If the Cricketers can now afford counsel after they walked out, why did they not take this route earlier instead of slamming their hosts and West Indian fans. There is a signed agreement with WICB. The players can only take action against WIPA if the constitution of WIPA was violated. Whether the contract between WIPA and WIBC can be nullified because of an internal WIPA matter … that’s for the Courts to decide if this matter gets there. Seems to me that the players were ill advised in India!!!!!!