KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC-Recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Michael Muirhead has declared an end to the once turbulent relationship between WICB and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).
Muirhead, who replaced Dr Ernest Hilaire late last year, says the strained relationship is now history since then there has been improvement between the two bodies.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer the CEO expressed confidence that WICB and WIPA can now work together in the interest of regional cricket.
“I have heard about this thing with WIPA, but I have an excellent relationship with them,” said Muirhead.
“And I think they are definitely changing, as the whole dispensation of the tug-of-wars and always at each others’ throat is now history”.
Ex WIPA CEO Dinanath Ramnarine and WICB former CEO, Dr Ernest Hilaire, have been at loggerheads throughout the St Lucian’s three year tenure with several matters having to be settled in court.
Relations between Hilaire and Ramnarine had become a cause of major concern with reports that a meeting between the two threatened to erupt into a physical showdown.
Muirhead was recently invited as guest speaker at WIPA’s annual general meeting (AGM), triggering speculation that the relationship which has been marred by controversy may now be mellowing.
“That speaks volumes, because it has not been done in a long time,” said Muirhead.
“It serves no purpose to keep going at each others’ throat… we must come together and look for settlements in areas that need to be settled and compromise where we have to compromise”.
