Hall: It's a rumour

A report that fast bowler Nixon McLean has declined his selection for the forthcoming World Cup was yesterday dismissed by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Reverend Wes Hall as "an erroneous rumour".

The report, carried on the Internet on the CaribbeanCricket.com website, quoted McLean as saying he had contacted Hall and informed him of his decision.

It added that Hall, "in a brief interview", confirmed he was contacted by McLean and that he "understands and appreciates" his decision.

Hall denied he had spoken to McLean, the 29-year-old Vincentian who was recalled after an absence of almost two years for the tournament.

CaribbeanCricket.com describes itself as "the independent voice of West Indies cricket" and carries news and views from a variety of contributors.

"This seems to be another of the several unfounded rumours that have emanated out of Canada in recent times," he said. "I haven't spoken to Nixon in over a year and my understanding is that he was delighted to have been chosen again in the West Indies team."

McLean is playing his second season in South African provincial cricket for KwaZulu-Natal.

The Caribbean Cricket.com report further quoted McLean as saying: "I do not wish to make public the specific reasons for which I cannot compromise my personal integrity to play for the West Indies under certain conditions to which I am opposed which now exist in the team."

McLean last played for the West Indies in the 2001 home series against South Africa.