West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard feels the dispute between some senior players and the cricket board back home needs to be sorted out as quickly as possible for the betterment of cricket in the Caribbean.
"It's really disappointing to see the players at loggerheads with the board. At some point of time, I believe, they will come to an agreement. That should be soon. The best way is to come to an agreement and take West Indies cricket forward. The board and the players have to work hand in hand," said the Trinidadian in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The West Indian Cricket Board (WICB) recently hit out at Chris Gayle for opting to play in the IPL at a time when the one-day series against Pakistan was on at home. Gayle, in turn, lashed out at the WICB for omitting him from the squad on ground that he was unfit.
Asked about his own presence in the IPL, Pollard said it was an agreement he had worked out with the WICB much earlier.
"It was a mutual agreement between me and the West Indies Cricket Board. It was a matter of me playing in the IPL. We had that agreement sometime ago. I am here to play in the IPL. That discussion was done long ago," he said.
"I've been watching all the games (West Indies v/s Pakistan). As a matter of fact, from ball one till the end. It is not the matter of me being sad or disappointed," he added.
On whether it was difficult for him to keep himself motivated despite not getting too many chances to perform with the bat, he said, "To be honest it was fantastic, watching Sachin bat and the others bat. It is a team effort. It was just a matter of time that I keep my focus. Whenever, my opportunity came I had to capitalise on it.
"It is a matter of how you want to look at it. You are a team player and that is what team wants from you at that point of time. I was not getting opportunities in the first five-six games. And when it comes to you in pressure situation you actually want to win the game. It was a matter of time and trying to be positive," he added.
Pollard said he was surprised to learn that Mumbai Indians' owners had decided to retain him but added that he felt no additional pressure because of this decision.
"You can say I was a bit surprised. It was something I did not see coming. I played for Mumbai and enjoyed it. The owner Neeta Ambani and Sachin kept faith in me.
"They are asking something from you as a player. If the team wins I don't think there is any pressure," he added.
