West Indies tour crisis due to lack of finance, says Hunte (5 November 1998)

5 November 1998

West Indies tour crisis due to lack of finance, says Hunte

Bob Dubery

As Ali Bacher and Clive Lloyd flew out of Johannesburg to meet with disgruntled West Indian cricketeters in London, former West Indies vice-captain Conrad Hunte shed some light on the controversy surrounding the tour to South Africa.

Hunte was interviewed by Mike Haysman and Fanie de Villiers on pay channel MNet's weekly cricket magazine program Extra Cover.

Hunte outlined West Indian cricket's financial crisis. "First of all you must understand that it costs a lot of money just to run the domestic Red Stripe tournament. Nearly 2000 miles separate Guyana from Jamaica, and the travelling costs alone are very high."

"Because of this most players in the Red Stripe tournament are not paid for playing. Some of the big name players receive payment, but this is a lot less than they would earn in English county or even league cricket."

Exacerbating the crisis is the lack of sponsorship for the West Indian national team. "Traditionally the sponsorship money has gone to the players, not the board. Now Kingfisher, who are themselves in difficulty, have withdrawn their support and the players are effectively taking a cut in pay."

Asked by Haysman if the fee the players were offered for the tour of SA was 30% less than that paid for the 1996 trip to Australia, Hunte replied "that is exactly right."

It seems that there are two sets of concerns that the players need clarification on. In the short term they are concerned about payment for the series against South Africa. In the long term they are concerned about earning a reasonable salary and at receiving a regular retainer as players from most other Test playing countries do.

"In fact," said Hunte, "the negotiation of salaries is very well advanced, but a communication break down has led to the players not being aware of the true state of affairs."

Hunte expressed confidence that a full-strength West Indian side, including Hooper and Lara, would soon be in South Africa.

Source :: Bob Dubery