Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Windies seek mediation with BCCI over India tour pull-out

January 28, 2015 17:48 IST

Dave Cameron, the president of the West Indies Cricket Board, has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India to resolve the issue of his team's pull-out from their India tour midway into the series last October through a bilateral discussion or third-party mediation over the next two months.

The WICB also sought the intervention of the ICC in the matter and requested the BCCI not to drag them to Indian courts for damages related to the episode.

Also read: BCCI suspends bilateral tours with Windies; to take legal action

According to ESPNcricinfo, Cameron made the proposal in an e-mail to BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel on Tuesday, the last day of the week-long ultimatum issued by the Indian board on January 20.

"We would like to propose that we (WICB and BCCI) meet at the earliest available opportunity, but in any event within the next 60 days, as we remain of the view that the issues between us may best be resolved through dialogue, facilitated or otherwise, with the aim of jointly coming up with appropriate 'cricketing solutions' that will meet the legitimate interests of all stakeholders including the BCCI," he said.

"We reiterate our position that Indian courts lack jurisdiction in this matter given the parties' agreement to submit disputes of this nature to binding arbitration," Cameron wrote to Patel.

The West Indies players in a huddle before the fourth ODI in Dharamsala

West Indies players before the fourth ODI of the series against India in Dharamsala on October 17 . Photograph: BCCI

The West Indies team left India four matches into the five-game One-Day International series, with a Twenty20 and three Tests still to play during the October 8 - November 19 tour.

Cameron also expressed surprise over Patel's statement that the BCCI had received no constructive response from the WICB on the matter.

"We are surprised that your letter makes no reference to our letter dated 7 November 2014 or the matters to which it refers, including our formal written proposal for progressing matters. Your letter also makes no reference to the numerous earnest but informal discussions, which have taken place between our respective Boards exploring possible solutions, including various 'cricketing solutions' that are practical and fair to the BCCI and all stakeholders," he said.

Patel, however, pointed out that the BCCI had been lenient and even allowed a 40-day grace period to the WICB.

Summarising the proposal once again, in the latter dated November 7, Cameron said the WICB wants to find an appropriate solution after discussions with the BCCI.

"Our position in law remains as set out in our letter dated 7 November 2014. Without admitting any liability to the BCCI, we reiterate our willingness to participate in bi-lateral or multi-lateral discussions, or in mediation or such other suitable form of ADR as may be appropriate, as the alternatives would be of no benefit to either Board or the larger cricketing community," said Cameron.

In a separate media statement, the WICB said that Cameron had met "some of the directors of ICC" in Dubai this week and sought their intervention.

It also said the WICB is "hopeful of finding a workable solution and will send a delegation to meet with the BCCI in the coming weeks".

AGENCIES