Quote:Taking such an unprecedented action in abandoning the tour should not be among the players' first attempts at securing redress. It might have been unfortunate that WIPA signed off on the offending deal, but that ought to be a problem between the players and their representatives. The Caribbean fans, the Indian fans, and other stakeholders should not be made to suffer.

There is no telling the harm that will befall West Indies cricket as a consequence of such thoughtlessness. It's bad financial circumstances will be made worse; it is unlikely anyone will really benefit from this fiasco. The players did not seem to realize this despite the pleadings of cricket legends Richie Richardson, Curtly Ambrose and Clive Lloyd. Or perhaps they just didn't care.

I have a lot of time for Michael Holding. So much so that if I hear him expound an opinion on cricket with which I disagree, I revisit and re-examine mine. I do not always change it to fall in line with that of the great fast bowler, but I greatly respect his views. Try as I might however, I can't agree with him that the WICB is solely responsible for this latest mess.

The WICB must share some blame. While protocol suggests that they negotiate only with WIPA as they argued, common sense demanded that President Cameron should have met with the players after Bravo wrote to him detailing their impasse with WIPA and requested a meeting. Since the WICB members are ultimately responsible for Caribbean cricket then they have a much greater responsibility than anyone else to protect its well-being. A meeting with the players, and probably a promise to reopen negotiations might have saved the tour. In retrospect it is a decision they likely regret.