Player tensions with WI board reaching breaking point –SirViv
ST JOHN’S (CMC): egendary West Indies captain Sir Viv Richards believes the poor run of results in the current series against Pakistan could be a sign that tensions between players and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) may be reaching breaking point.
The 64-year-old former batting star, who is covering the series as a television analyst, said the Windies players appeared out of sorts, and this may be stemming from a strained relationship with the current administration.
“Everyone seems to be of the belief that the administration, in some way, has become totally dictatorial, and is not a process that I believe some of the individuals feel totally comfortable playing under,” Sir Viv told Observer Radio’s sports show in a telephone interview from the United Arab Emirates.
“I don’t know whether this can
Lgo on for much longer, but it was just sad, to a degree, to see some of the guys who were not quite in it.” West Indies are yet to win on the tour taking place in the United Arab Emirates, and have lost all eight games against Pakistan across all three formats.
PHIL SIMMONS FIRING
On the same day the squad departed the Caribbean for the tour last month, the WICB fired head coach Phil Simmons – a decision all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard said demoralised the side and led to the dismal performances.
Sir Viv, who has been critical of the board’s handling of cricket matters in the past, said it was evident during the limited-overs series that players were disillusioned.
“There is a whole lot still going on in terms of administration, and it’s getting a little much in my view.”