WI board welcomes ICC revamp

The West Indies cricket board has welcomed the International Cricket Council revamp by saying that the move will not only benefit their side on the field but also bring in a lot more revenue off it.

The WICB president Whycliffe Cameron confirmed that the restructure will leave the board financially better off and able to safeguard the development of the sport in the region.

“The WICB projects an increase of more than 100% in ICC revenue for the upcoming eight-year cycle of international matches based on the proposals when compared to the previous eight-year cycle,” Cameron said.

“Currently, West Indies have the most unfavourable allocation of matches of all the Full Members of the ICC, based on the current FTP schedule. Based on the proposed bilateral structure, the WICB will be able to negotiate fees when the West Indies team plays in away series, as was the case prior to the establishment of the FTP.”

The revamp will see India, Australia and England gain larger share of ICC’s revenue and the FTP giving way to bilateral series where the countries can pick and choose who and where they want to play.

The BCCI, which generates around 80% of the ICC’s revenues, stands to gain the most with N Srinivasan, its chief, set to be appointed ICC chairman from July.

“As the West Indies team continues to regain strength, the WICB will be able to negotiate more for our brand, which is a most significant consideration. Also, where the WICB hosts unprofitable tours, we will now be able to access the newly proposed Test Match Fund to help offset costs.”