PM elicits contrary responses from WICB, JCA

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

SPURRED by comments from Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, two of the regional stakeholders of cricket have broken their silence over issues which have recently sparked heated debates.

In addressing the Annual Awards Function of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday, Simpson-Miller expressed concern over Jamaica's omission as a match venue for the Australian tour of the West Indies, starting later this month.

She also questioned the lengthy delay by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in resolving the impasse with Jamaica and West Indies batsman Chris Gayle.

Gayle and the WICB have been at odds since the prolific opener was ignored after the ICC World Cup last February. The situation was exacerbated by the latter's outburst in a radio interview last year.

In a swift response, however, the WICB on Monday chided the JCA for misinforming Simpson-Miller.

"The WICB believes that the Prime Minister did not have the benefit of the full information pertaining to the matters on which she spoke," the Board said in a release.

"The WICB is further disappointed that the relevant officials in Jamaica did not... brief the... Prime Minister... that the West Indies v Australia tour was, for reasons pertaining to scheduling and weather, always slated to be played in the Southern Caribbean," the release stated.

"... She would have been informed that Mr Chris Gayle has been written to by the WICB, clearly outlining the full details of what is required of him. The WICB is awaiting a response from Mr Gayle."

In a counter-response yesterday, the JCA said it "wishes to state its complete rejection and condemnation of the unjustified and disrespectful criticisms levelled by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) against Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller".

"As a shareholder, the JCA finds it inexcusable that the WICB in its press release... could have made such a statement without consulting any of the WICB members in Jamaica...," it said.

The local board was emphatic in addressing the Gayle issue.

"The JCA is also fully supportive of the stance taken by Prime Minister Simpson Miller in relation to Chris Gayle... the Prime Minister expressed her disquiet that the matter had dragged on for so long, and that she wished to see a resolution as quickly as possible.

"... The JCA is also calling for a quick resolution... and is of the view, that having been debarred from playing for the West Indies for over a year, he has been more than sufficiently punished..."

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COMMENTS (4)

San Patrek
2/23/2012

The JA brand is far bigger than the WICB brand. It is time we go it alone and give this dysfunctional body the boot. The WICB embraces mediocrity and is going nowhere. It doesn't represent JA. We are winners. The PM should write her name in history by being the ONE to bring JA cricket to the world. Cricket could bring enormous opportunities for employment and economic development to our little island. Lets cut loose from this mediocre and dysfunctional WICB. Lets have cricket JA style to di worl

De Mon
2/22/2012

Historically, series in the caribbean sees JA hosting at the beginning or the end (due to weather/distance). Strange that we cannot get any in these two series.
Isn't WIPA the players "lawyers"? So how come they allowed the CG saga to undfold in this manner? Did they also want to see him go? I believe no player should go before WICB unless accompanied with WIPA official. As WICB has their rules...so does WIPA. And it would be safe to say the CG (& Co) would not have had to air their remarks.

Izett Gordon
2/22/2012

"... She would have been informed that Mr Chris Gayle has been written to by the WICB, clearly outlining the full details of what is required of him. The WICB is awaiting a response from Mr Gayle."
Herein lies the crux of the matter. The WICB is behaving as though Mr. Gayle is a child who ought to be scolded. The WICB knows what is required of the gentleman but does not mention its responsibility to reciprocate. The managers seem to want to actually play. Amazing!!

Sean Knight
2/22/2012

This is why we as a a nation, a region cannot do anything. This constant back and forth helps no one. We must do better

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PM elicits contrary responses from WICB, JCA