Dubai: The representatives of ICC Board today expressed their deep disappointment at West Indies team's decision of abandoning their India tour mid-way, stating that a repeat of this kind from any team or players may lead cancellation of their T20 contracts with their franchises.
Top West Indies players like Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy freelance as T20 specialists for various private leagues across the globe.
According to a release issued by ICC, it states,"In a show of solidarity, all Member Boards collectively expressed the view that they consider such player action to be extremely disruptive, damaging and unacceptable.
"Players, who behave in a similar manner in the future will not only risk breaching the disciplinary rules of the relevant Member Board and being sanctioned accordingly, but may also put in jeopardy their ability to conclude future contractual arrangements with domestic franchises or clubs in other jurisdictions."
ICC chairman N Srinivasan, said:"It was undoubtedly a sad chapter in our sport. It damaged cricket's integrity and reputation, as well as affecting confidence within the cricket community, especially that of the fans. The ICC Board was determined to address this situation and ensure such incidents never happen again."
"The ICC is working with the concerned Members towards finding a positive resolution and is confident that there will be constructive outcomes for our game."
The meeting was also attended by WICB chief Dave Cameron.
The members felt that the action of the West Indies players have caused "irrevocable damage" to the sport.
"Putting aside the legitimacy or otherwise of any grievances of parties involved (and which are now the subject of a domestic Task Force probe), the ICC and all Member Boards noted that players abandoning tours have the potential to cause irrevocable damage to the sport in the jurisdiction of the relevant Member Board concerned, as well as enormous financial damage, which might adversely affect the financial viability of the sport itself," it states.
