Windies Players expected to play against Aussies

ST JOHN’S, Antigua - President of the West Indies Cricket Board, the Honourable Dr. Julian Hunte, who attended the ICC Board meeting earlier this week, has clarified the situation regarding the relationship between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Full Member Countries.

The IPL has given these countries its commitment that all of the players contracted to play in the IPL will require clearance or “No Objection Certificates” (NOC) from their Boards to play in the IPL.

The BCCI, owners of the IPL, confirmed that policy at a meeting of the ICC on Sunday in Dubai. It was good news for the WICB since three senior West Indies players are contracted to play with the IPL.

This renewed IPL commitment now allows the WICB to ensure that the services of their IPL players are available during the first Two Test Matches against Australia.

CEO of the WICB, Dr. Donald Peters, has indicated that he will issue a no objection certificate (NOC) to Chanderpaul, Gayle and Sarwan to play in the IPL, but the NOC will be limited to the period between the Sri Lanka and Australia tours ensuring that the West Indies will be at full strength against the formidable Australian team.

Cricket Australia is allowing its contracted star players two weeks to play in the IPL before departing for the series with the West Indies. It is anticipated therefore, that the Australians will be fielding their strongest possible team and the West Indies intends to do the same.

Commenting on the situation, the West Indies CEO said, “Our best players have a responsibility to value their commitment to West Indies Cricket and the West Indian public ahead of any relationship they have with the IPL. We fully expect them to be ready to play against Australia in all Test and ODI matches.”