West Indies players end strike

The striking West Indies players ended their boycott of the current series with Bangladesh following an agreement to appoint a mediator to resolve their dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle and 12 other players picked for the first Test with Bangladesh refused to play due to a dispute over payment and contractual issues.

West Indies lost both Tests with the second defeat coming on Monday.

On Tuesday, the WICB and the players union (WIPA) met with the head of the regional economic co-operation body CARICOM, Guyana president Bharrat Jagdeo, and agreed to resolve the dispute through mediation.

As part of the agreement, the striking players would make themselves available for selection for the rest of the series.

In a statement issued by Jagdeo's office, the two parties agreed to have former Commonwealth secretary general Sir Shridath Ramphal handle the talks.

"It was agreed that in the light of the Mediation Agreement which the Parties expect to lead to the resolution of outstanding issues all the players will make themselves available for selection," read the statement.

West Indies begin a series of three one-day matches against Bangladesh on Sunday.