WICB chief 'put on leave'

Dr Donald Peters, the CEO of West Indies cricket, has confirmed that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have put him on administrative leave. There was confusion surrounding the news yesterday, but Peters has now left the matter in the hands of his lawyers, and remains "completely confused, surprised, and overwhelmed" by the whole situation.

A news conference was scheduled by the WICB for Wednesday and was postponed until Thursday, but this has now been cancelled entirely. "I got an email from the president [Dr Julian Hunte] last evening [Monday] about 6.10 pm," Peters told CMC Sports. "It said that I am on leave and I have to attend a hearing of the Finance, Audit and Human Resources Committee of the board. I thought it would have been the Ethics Committee.

"I don't want to have a confrontation with the board. The letter could have been sent in error so I have asked my attorneys to ensure that the contents are accurate.

"I am completely confused, surprised and overwhelmed that in my capacity as CEO, who worked tirelessly in the interest of West Indies cricket, would be subject to such a level of intimidation from the president of the board.

"I have been advised by counsel not to meet with any committee of the board until counsel has had an opportunity to talk with the board about fairness and due process."

Peters was only appointed to the role last November and is involved in a legal rumpus surrounding the renovation of Hunte's official St Lucian office, and the funds involved therein. Following a WICB meeting last week a statement was issued denying reports the board had spent any money on the renovation of, or repairs to, Hunte's offices.

"The WICB acknowledges that it is renting an office in St Lucia for use by its president, in keeping with an established tradition of maintaining an office in the place of residence of the board's president," the board said.

"The premises being rented by the WICB in St Lucia are owned by West Indies General Insurance Company limited - a company in which the Hon. Dr. Julian Hunte is a major shareholder."

In addition to Peters' suspension, the WICB's Corporate Services Manager, Tony Deyal, has been fired. He left the offices on Monday but denied the rumours of his sacking to CaribbeanCricket.com, reporting that he was "feeling sick".

This news comes on the back of reports in the Caribbean media that Chris Gayle has resigned as captain after his relationship with the board deteriorated.