Board sees Richards’ new job a ‘conflict of interest’

SIR VIVIAN RICHARDS made himself available to continue as chairman of West Indies’ selection panel.
The disclosure was made yesterday by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) following comments and observations which the WICB said did not truly reflect the situation. {{more}}
In a ten-point release, the WICB said it viewed Richards’ commitments as a commentator for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) during the imminent tour of England as a conflict of interest.
“Several directors of the board shared the information that within their territorial boards it was considered that the duties of a selector were in conflict with the obligations of a commentator,” the WICB said.
“After discussion, the board took the view that the same conflict would exist in this case.
“As a result, the decision was taken not to extend Sir Vivian’s appointment.”
The WICB further pointed out that Sir Vivian was immediately informed of the decision which was made at the annual general meeting in Guyana at the weekend.
The detailed release cleared up some uncertainty that stemmed from the WICB’s original release late Saturday night and subsequent comments by Sir Vivian.
The final paragraph of the first release said: “Former chairman of selectors Sir Vivian Richards wrote to the board informing it that he had committed himself to doing commentary with the British Broadcasting Corporation during the current West Indies tour to England. On that basis he was unavailable to continue his role on the selection committee.”
On Monday, Sir Vivian said he felt obligated to take up the BBC’s offer since he was not sure what would have been the outcome at the WICB’s annual general meeting.
He also pointed to a new policy in which the chairman of selectors would not form part of the panel on overseas tours.

Following is the full text of the WICB’s statement issued yesterday:

• The senior and junior selection committees were appointed in June 2002 for a period of two years. That term expired in June 2004.

• Normally, as with all WICB committees, nominations were invited from which new committees would be put in place to take effect from immediately after the annual general meeting, which was held in Guyana on June 19, 2004.

• Nominations were received for the senior and junior selection committees, including the incumbents.

• The WICB took into consideration its intention to institute a new management structure for West Indies cricket to be implemented following the ICC Champions Trophy event in England, which ends in September 2004. The board decided to extend the term of the senior and junior selection committees until that time so that the junior selection committee could oversee the TCL Under-19 Tournament in August and the senior selection committee could select the team for the ICC Champions Trophy.

• Subsequent to that decision, the board then considered a report from the chairman of the senior selectors, Sir Vivian Richards, submitted on June 16, 2004. The report dealt with the 2002-2004 term of the selectors and contained several specific recommendations to the board, some of which are being considered for implementation.

• In addition, Sir Vivian brought to the board’s attention the fact that he had committed himself to doing commentary on the on-going West Indies tour to England. He also stated that while he appreciated that there might be a conflict of interest, notwithstanding that, he would be available to fulfil his role as a selector, if so appointed.

• Several directors of the board shared the information that within their territorial boards it was considered that the duties of a selector were in conflict with the obligations of a commentator. After discussion, the board took the view that the same conflict would exist in this case. As a result, the decision was taken not to extend Sir Vivian’s appointment.

• Sir Vivian was immediately informed by telephone of the board’s decision.

• It is the intention of the board to invite nominations in due course to the senior and junior selection committees that will succeed the interim committees. When the process is re-opened, Sir Vivian certainly will be eligible for nomination and full consideration.

• The board has written to Sir Vivian to thank him for his contribution in yet another area of West Indies cricket development and to express the hope that he would remain available in this and any other capacity.