Hilaire’s comments could put WI at risk

Regional players’ union, the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has accused West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive Ernest Hilaire of putting the regional team at risk with his recent controversial comments.



Describing Hilaire’s statements regarding the standard of West Indies cricketers as shocking WIPA contended they could prove detrimental to the players both on and off the field.



Hilaire, who was speaking in Barbados last week, said fans will have to endure more embarrassment in the years to come not merely due to the lack of quality cricketers coming through but also because of the overall attitude of players towards the game, with money and fame favoured over excellence.



WIPA chief executive Dinanath Ramnarine said in a statement that Dr Hilaire’s words put West Indian players at risk of disrespect both at home and abroad.



He says the world has been told that some West Indian players are uneducated, unable to compete on the world stage effectively, and incapable of improvement.



Ramnarine says all players need the support of their Board but the CEO has certainly given the impression that the WICB may have written off some of the region’s players.



West Indies are currently 4-0 down to South Africa in a five-match one-day series and are scheduled to face the Proteas in a three-match Test series later this month.