BCCI hopes WI dispute will not affect series

The BCCI has expressed hope the ongoing series against West Indies will not be affected by the dispute between the players and the WICB and the West Indies Players Association, while revealing it had played the role of mediator when the situation reached crisis point before the first ODI in Kochi.

The West Indies players were mulling a strike before the first match due to concerns over a payment agreement between the WICB and the WIPA. ESPNcricinfo understands the BCCI's assurance to the West Indies players, to stand by them during their fight, was the key factor in the team's decision to play.

"I spoke with the boys and assured them the BCCI will discuss their problems with the WICB and help arrive at an amicable solution at the earliest," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel told ESPNcricinfo. "We are hopeful that the series will not be affected."

It is believed WICB chief Whycliffe 'Dave' Cameron thanked Patel for playing the mediator's role in an email sent a day after the game. The BCCI secretary also denied rumours the Indian board had sanctioned a loan to the WICB to pay its players.

"I have been told that some of the regional media houses are running stories to this effect, even quoting the amount. Let me make it clear - nothing of this sort has been even discussed in the BCCI since the rules don't allow us. No financial transaction has taken place," Patel said.

During the last year's series in India, which was also Sachin Tendulkar's farewell series, the BCCI had borne the daily allowance expenses of the West Indies players.