West Indies players strike

Thursday\'s opening test between West Indies and Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex is in serious doubt, according to reports on cananews.net.



Sources have indicated that this follows another breakdown in negotiations between the West Indies players and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) over outstanding issues central to the payment of fees for the recent tour of England.



A source said that the players are apparently unhappy about certain terms and conditions contained in the contract for that tour, and have rejected the agreement, although the WICB stands willing, ready, and able to make the payments to them.



The WICB agreed to pay in some cases up to five times above the regular fee to the players for the unscheduled tour, and also compensate players who had contracts to play in the Indian Premier League, which clashed with the dates for the trip.



West Indies was swept in both series, as England won both Test matches and two of the three One-day Internationals, the third abandoned because of rain.



The players were scheduled to arrive in the St. Vincent capital on Tuesday but have instead remained in St. Lucia.



The whereabouts of the 13 players named on Monday to form the squad are unknown at this time, but a source further indicated that some were booking flights to return to their respective homes.



The WICB was apparently aware of the situation, and is trying to assemble a replacement squad to play in the Test, but a source also indicated that some of the alternatives have bluntly refused in solidarity with the players named on Monday.



Another source also said that the players have expressed their intention to strike for the remainder of the month.



CMC also reports that the WICB was considering drastic action, which could have far-reaching consequences for the game in the region.