Bassarath: TTCB not showing hand

The T&T Cricket Board will not be nominating anyone for the post of president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) when the directors meet on March 21 to elect a new leader. President of the T&TCB, Azim Bassarath said yesterday that they are not getting involved in the politics of the election. Incumbent president Dr Julien Hunte is seeking an unprecedented fourth term at the helm but is receiving a challenge from his vice-president Dave Cameron and former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd.

T&T’s two directors on the WICB are Baldath Mahabir and Dr Allen Sammy, giving T&TBC two votes at the meeting Bassarath said yesterday his board will be keeping out of the politics that is associated with the elections. “We are not taking part in the politics of the nomination process. We have taken a decision at the executive level to stay out of the nomination process and we would not even second any of the candidates.”

The deadline for nominations is February 27 and when that is completed the TTCB will decide who their vote will go to. “When the final nominations are in, we will convene a meeting of the executive and then decide who to support. We are not campaigning for anyone and we are not showing our hand at this time. When we find it is appropriate we will come forward and inform the public who we will be supporting.” It is understood that Hunte is finding problems to find someone to second his nomination. A source close to the situation told the T&T Guardian yesterday that the St. Lucian has a country to nominate him, but no one yet to second his nomination as yet.

It is understood that Barbados has not made up their minds and will also be taking a long hard look at the people going up before making their choice. A number of former cricketers have come out openly and shown support for Lloyd, who they believe can lead a revival in the cricket. Former speed merchant Andy Roberts was quoted in an exclusive interview in yesterday’s Guardian as saying he wants Hunte to go and thinks Lloyd is the best man for the job at present. Others have also said they want to see the man dubbed ‘Supercat’ in his playing days, get a shot at leading the regional body.