King declines offer to coach West Indies team

Antigua, April 9, 2003: The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has received correspondence from Bennett King, Head of the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy, confirming his decision not to accept the post of coach with the West Indies cricket team.

The WICB regrets that King is not taking up its offer but wishes him well in the work that he has indicated he is keen to pursue on the development of the Centre of Excellence in his native Australia.

In a letter to WICB Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brathwaite, King thanked the Board for offering him the position.

He also said: "There has been speculation that this decision was made because of the announcement of my nomination prior to our contractual negotiations. I would like to let you know that this did not influence my decision. I would also like to recognise the professional manner in which the recruitment process was handled by the West Indies Cricket Board."

The WICB invites all West Indies cricket fans to join with us in supporting the West Indies team under the leadership of the new captain Brain Lara, interim Coach, Gus Logie and Manager Rickey Skerrit in their challenging series against the Australian team.

In the meantime, the WICB will re-visit the selection of a coach for the West Indies team.

For further information please contact Saunders-Franklyn Associates
Tel: (246) 437-5588
Fax: (246) 437-5593
E-mail: saunders@sunbeach.net