'We are not dependent on Stanford' - WICB

The WICB has bluntly stated it "does not depend on Mr. Allen Stanford for its financial well being". The statement by Julian Hunte, the WICB president, was made after Stanford, citing disputes with the WICB and the West Indies team sponsor Digicel, closed his cricket office, dissolved his board of Legends comprising former West Indian cricketers, and announced he was reviewing the 2008 Stanford 20/20 programme.

"Naturally, members of my Board have received several calls on this matter from media houses, stakeholders and supporters of West Indies cricket across the globe", Hunte said. "But the WICB is declining any detailed comment at this stage. Mr. Stanford has promised a review of his involvement in cricket and we think its appropriate that we await the completion of that review before making any comment."

Stanford's decision has led to speculation that the WICB faces bankruptcy, particularly after they soured their relations with Digicel during their high-profile defeat at the High Court in London in October. Hunte, however, disagreed, saying: "The facts are, however, that to date, the WICB has received only US$2 million from the Stanford Group as licence fees for the first two years of a five-year agreement for the Group to host the domestic Stanford 20/20 tournament.

"The Stanford group has also been dealing directly with four territorial Boards, the member associations of the Windward and Leeward islands and not with the WICB by way of financing aspects of the respective associations development programmes."

Hunte said a packed Future Tours Programme, to be implemented over the next three years and beyond, would provide the revenues needed for the WICB to meet its commitments. However, it was open to options. "We stand ready and willing to partner with anyone, the Stanford Group included, who has a genuine commitment to and an interest in propelling West Indies cricket back to the pinnacle of international cricket, an objective which is at the heart of the board's five-year strategic plan."