TWO HIGH-PROFILE cricketers have turned down US$80 000 retainer contracts offered by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
MIDWEEK NATION investigations yesterday revealed that dynamic all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and big-hitting Kieron Pollard had not accepted one-year central contracts offered to 25 leading players last month.
WICB corporate communications officer Imran Khan confirmed that 22 players signed the contracts, while two indicated they would not accept and another requested an extension.
While the WICB was not prepared to release the names of the two players who turned down the offers, well-placed sources said both Bravo and Pollard were advised that a retainer contract could adversely effect their earnings from lucrative overseas deals.
Under the terms and conditions of the retainer contracts, players must make themselves available for West Indies duties at all times.
In recent years, however, Bravo and his fellow Trinidadian Pollard have been sought by foreign interests for lucrative Twenty20 leagues.
The 23-year-old Pollard, an explosive batsman capable of big hitting that rivals any player in the modern game, was snapped up by the Mumbai Indians at a price tag of US$750 000 last year and has also landed deals with South Australia in the Twenty20 Big Bash and for English county, Somerset.
Bravo, 26, also plays for Mumbai Indians and previously secured contracts with English counties Essex and Kent.
He is widely regarded as a future West Indies captain, but this decision could affect his chances.
“It is difficult to see Bravo now being considered for leadership. If he can’t be fully committed to West Indies cricket with a retainer contract, he shouldn’t expect to be considered for the captaincy,” a source said.
When the WICB announced on August 31 it had offered contracts to 25 players – ten of whom were given US$25 000 developmental contracts – it said the players had until September 10 to indicate acceptance.
The WICB had also said that if any player did not convey a decision, the board would make alternate offers.
The board also reiterated that being on central retainer or development contracts was not a pre-requisite for being selected to represent the West Indies.
Despite the moves by Bravo and Pollard, sources said the WICB was pleased that the majority of players had signed.
“It represents a significant shift in how the players are operating. It is a demonstration of them agreeing with the board,” a source said.
“Even those who have not signed … I don’t think it is because of the influence of the West Indies Players Association, but more to do with wanting to commit to other tournaments.”
