West Indies cricket is facing the possibility of a major backlash after the sport was thrown into chaos yesterday.
It follows the unprecedented decision by the regional governing body to call off the tour of India because of the withdrawal of the players’ services.
After a day of uncertainty, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) confirmed last night the tour would not proceed further, eight hours after advising that contrary to media reports, no decision had been taken to discontinue the tour.
It is the first time in the history of West Indies cricket that a regional team has aborted a tour in the middle of a series, prompting speculation over the possible repercussions.
The Dwayne Bravo-led squad, which includes Barbadians Dwayne Smith, Kemar Roach, Sulieman Benn and Jason Holder, signalled their intentions when they joined the captain in the middle for the toss at the start of the fourth One-Day International (ODI) yesterday.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed its shock and extreme disappointment at the decision taken by the WICB, it said it would pursue all options available to protect its rights, while seeking appropriate action from the International Cricket Council to ensure that its interests would not suffer any damage due to “such acts of indiscretion”.
It also emerged that Indian authorities were contemplating reviewing the West Indies players’ participation in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). (HG)
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