Match fees owed to players

Johnny Grave
Johnny Grave

A newly formed Financial Strategy Review Committee (FSRC) is expected to submit an initial report on the way forward regarding Cricket West Indies finances when the Board of Directors meets on April 30.

This is according to Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies, Johnny Grave who told Stabroek Sport, “We have established a financial strategy review committee to help management assess all the scenarios and make recommendations to the board.”

While the committee is expected to put forward its report via teleconference, Grave indicated that “they will continue to operate until the Covid-19 pandemic has passed.”

Billy Heaven

Grave said that the committee is headed by Jamaica Cricket Association President and Chairman of CWI’s finance committee, Director Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven.

Several players have confirmed to this publication that they are yet to receive payments for the West Indies Championship which concluded last month.

Grave, in sections of the media, confirmed that Cricket West Indies have not paid, and is not in a position, to pay players their match fees

The CEO added that the body is pursuing medium-term financing in light of the Coronavirus pandemic and is hopeful that it would be completed by month-end but is difficult to say with any certainty when the players will be paid.

Despite the pandemic, Grave had stated previously that CWI will not be considering pay cuts at this time and indicated that the players and staff are a priority.

Meanwhile, Grave is expected to take part in the International Cricket Council’s CEO’s Teleconference tomorrow where they will discuss a way forward in relation to the pandemic as well as West Indies’ three upcoming series, two of which they are expected to host.