Gordon in WICB presidential race

It is becoming a two-man race for the presidency of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

The two candidates likely to face the poll at the Sixth General Meeting in St. Maarten, August 7 are Trinidad and Tobago’s media magnate and former politician Ken Gordon, and former WICB president, Jamaican Pat Rousseau.{{more}}

Gordon who was nominated by his country’s board, and seconded by the Leeward (LICB) Islands Cricket Board, seems to be the front runner.

The LICB has also put forward Anguillan Val Banks for the position of Vice-President.

President of the Windward Island Cricket Board of Control, Vincentian Lennox John, who is also a Director of the WICB, said last Wednesday, that his sub- grouping had not made a final decision, but indications were pointing towards supporting Gordon.

John said he was awaiting a unanimous position from his other board members.

Rousseau served as president of the WICB from 1996 to 2001,but resigned after differences over policies.

The continued narrowing of the candidacy came following the withdrawal last week, of former Barbados Cricket Association President Tony Marshall.

Former West Indies cricket team captain, Clive Lloyd offered himself as a possible replacement for Teddy Griffith.

However, the Guyanese-born Lloyd, who has lived his best years in England, found it difficult to secure a seconder.

Nominations were to have closed June 16, but none were submitted then.

The WICB was forced to postpone the July 17 meeting.

The new date for the closure of nominations is July 8.

The post of presidency became a hot issue following the announcement last month by President Griffith. He indicated that he was not seeking a second term.

Griffith, a retired banker, was elected in September 2003.

The 69 year old Griffith cited “personal and family considerations” for his decision.

The out going president in what many see as a bold move, recently ordered his board to investigate negotiations for sponsorship between telecommunications providers Cable and Wireless and Digicel.

The latter procured a four-year sponsorship deal last year with the WICB worth US$ 20 Million, worked out to be five million per annum.

But it was Griffith who announced in March 2005, that the Board was to receive $3.4 million each year.

The incoming president will have his hands full having to plug the seemingly gaping distance between the Board and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

Prior to the start of the VB Triangular series in Australia last December; both parties were at loggerheads over players’ contracts.

This issue became a focal point at the start of the South Africa tour to the Caribbean and is a present sour grape, as the West Indies set to tour Sri Lanka.

In addition, the new head will have to contend with the hosting of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.