WICB seeks answers

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is seeking to find out the reasons that led the trio of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard to turn down central retainer contracts.



A release from the WICB, says the board has written to Gayle, Bravo and Pollard seeking details of the issues, which caused them not to take up the offer.



The release further says the WICB wants to understand why the players have refused retainer contract so that the issues can be addressed for future contract offers.



Bravo and Pollard, both of Trinidad, were the first players to reject the Board’s offer, choosing rather to go the route of being freelance cricketers. Neither player has offered a reason for their decision.



Gayle, the current West Indies captain, initially asked for an extension to the deadline set by the WICB for signing the contract but it emerged late Tuesday the Jamaican had also snubbed the Board’s offer.



The WICB said the three players had indicated their commitment to West Indies cricket and reiterated that the possession of a retainer contract was not a prerequisite for selection to the regional squad.



Retainer contracts are offered on three tiers with Grade A contracts worth an estimated US$120,000, Grade B contracts worth $100,000 and Grace C contracts, $80,000.



Gayle and Bravo were offered Grade A contract while Pollard was given a Grade C contract.