Cricket lottery on WICB agenda

A lottery for West Indies cricket and a retainer for players are among two of the topics down for discussion at a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) meeting in Antigua tomorrow. It is believed that the board is seeking to reintroduce retainer contracts to the region's top players from next season.

Such contracts were first offered to 23 players ahead of the 1997 regional season. But lack of funding, due partly to tardiness on the part of CARICOM governments, resulted in no contracts being offered since.

Recent reports, however, suggest that a few governments have pledged their support of the venture.

The issue of a West Indies cricket lottery has been raised for some time and it is expected that a firm decision might be made after tomorrow's meeting at the Royal Antigua Hotel.

Upcoming tour

The appointment and confirmation of a captain for the upcoming tour of Australia will be among the wide range of items on the agenda.

Jimmy Adams, who led the West Indies in successive Test series against Zimbabwe, Pakistan and England, is widely tipped to retain the job which he also has for the International Cricket Council's Mini World Cup in Kenya from October 3 to 16.

Among the other items down for discussion will be the reports on the home series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, the away series against England and future series against Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the West Indies will make a tour to Zimbabwe during the months of June and July next year.

The board of directors will also look at the regional season as well as a coaching development programme, the 2001 marketing plan, the 2000-2001 budget and the 1999-2000 financial report.

A number of other reports on matters arising out of the previous WICB meeting on May 12 and 13 will also be reviewed.

The Barbados Cricket Association will be represented by second vice-president Owen Estwick and honorary secretary Philip Nicholls, who is going in place of president Stephen Alleyne, who is out of the region.