Pay rise likely for West Indies domestic players

First-class players in the West Indies are set for a hike in salaries after the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) submitted a proposal to the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) to reduce the disparity in earnings between international and domestic players. The proposal includes the allocation of 22% of the board's annual revenue to players' salaries and the provision of retainer contracts for all first-class players with an increase in their match fee from US$300 to $1,000.

The proposal also includes a new category called "rookie contracts". The first-class players will now be able to benefit from membership of the Players' Provident Fund, with contributions from the board.

The latest development comes after a recent stand-off between the board and the regional cricketers reportedly due to issues regarding retainer contracts and first-class fees. As a mark of solidarity, players involved in three games of the regional first-class competition boycotted the opening day of the 11th round.

The WICB, in an official release, said it "recognised the disparity in players' salaries, but pointed out that the proposal currently before the WIPA represents a broader WICB commitment to players' emoluments, which is itself a component of the board's new thrust to ensure an enhanced relationship with WIPA."

The latest proposal also comes in the midst of yet another pay dispute between the West Indian senior players and the board, one which has threatened to derail the team's forthcoming tour of England.