Less gains for WICB

The West Indies Cricket Board's (WICB) profit declined by 47 per cent last year when compared with that of the previous year.

The board's statement of income for the year ending September 30, 1999, showed a profit of US$946 748 compared with US$1 806 883 the year before.

WICB's acting chief executive officer Richard Jodhan said the financial performance was severely hindered by the players' 'strike' prior to the start of the South Africa tour in November 1998.

'Several potential sponsors withdrew their interest for immediate future tours, but are being solicited once again,' Jodhan said in the WICB's 1999 annual report.

'The losses affected both the players and the WICB equally.'

Jodhan, whose substantive post is chief financial officer, said the important lesson learnt was the need to improve communication between all stakeholders of West Indies cricket.

'Cash management and also devising a new pay structure for players and staff that is more performance-oriented are the two main challenges that must be met in the new financial year,' he added.

The WICB's statement of income also revealed that:

l revenue from tours and tournaments declined by US$122 949.

l expenses from tours and tournaments increased by US$389 954.

l Indirect expenses went up by $337 009.