KINGSTON, January 27 – Whycliffe ‘Dave” Cameron became president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) March 27, 2013. He and his team in spite of harsh economic times have delivered on a few things outlined below. There was an obvious spoke in the regional cricket body’s wheel with the tour of India (October 2014) being cut short, but some bold and innovative steps were taken.
A statement from the President on Monday stated – “Resolving the issues currently facing West Indies cricket are of paramount importance. The WICB is therefore acknowledging the process based on its constitutional rules to end the impasse between the itself and the BCCI. Following the incident, we sought advice from several levels including Prime Ministers, CARICOM and a Task Force Team at which we acted to reach a consensus. The discussions and negotiations continue and we are mindful of the impact on the cricket in the West Indies. As President, I take full responsibility, however, I am part of a team and we are working assiduously to make those adjustments in the best interest of the game. We ask for patience from the people of the Caribbean and to all our fans worldwide.”
Here are some of the achievements the team lead by Cameron has made:
- Re-signing agreement with ESPN for the NAGICO Super 50
- More cricket on television in the region
- PCL 4-day competition
- 105 athletes who are being paid directly as a result of that reform
- A few athletes who are on pay-per-play which widens the pool
- More cricket – giving opportunities to more players – expanded 4 day PCL
- WIPA/WICB Alignment
- 2 years of the WICB/WIPA Awards
- Best relationship in the last decade
- No legal issues
- Deficit reduced
- Establishment of the West Indies Retired Players Foundation with launches in at least three countries along with a few programmes to recognise the former players and look after their well-being
- A fund raising Golf event due soon (WIRPF)
- CPL negotiation which has helped the current competitions being held – more money for our players
- WICB/UTech Coaches’ Courses and in other tertiary institutions across the region
- Umpires back on the international panel
- Exposure to the Balanced Scorecard method of measuring KPIs incorporating all Territorial Boards and Board Members
- Elite Team Tour – business, psychological, cultural adjustment for management and players – first ever done.
- WICB’s valued input in the prospects for the Future Tours programme offering countries in the top eight to have more games amongst themselves
- Appointed on the ICC Executive, Development and Nominations Committee
- Relationship with Digicel and Scotiabank are in tact
- Awarded ICC events
- Annual Conference in June 2015 in Barbados
- Women’s World Cup Tournament for 2018
- Under 19 World Cup 2022
- New ICC Womens’ Championship League – providing for more opportunities for female players
- The inclusion of our legends of West Indies Cricket in our setup – from the selectors to the dressing room.
- Winning series against Bangladesh in the Caribbean, leveling ODI series in New Zealand, winning T20 in South Africa. Ireland Tour 2013
- Approved the inclusion of a Team Physiotherapist for each Franchise
The election exercise is due for March 2015 and is scheduled for Jamaica.
CaroleBeckford 