St. George's (Grenada): Sports psychologist and former West Indies team manager Rudi Webster said he suspects that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has a $42-million claim against the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), wants president Dave Cameron to be voted out.
Cameron is seeking re-election at the weekend meeting in Kingston but is being challenged by former fast bowler Joel Garner, reports CMC.
Webster believes that BCCI will insist on collecting the money for last year's abandoned tour but that chance for a negotiated settlement would only come with a new president.
"I suspect if there was a change at the top, the BCCI would be tempted to say; look let us forget this thing or at least reduce it. Garner would have more influence with those people because a lot of them went to see him when they were little kids and they respect him more. With Cameron at the helm the BCCI might insist on getting their money," said Webster.
In January, the BCCI issued an ultimatum to the WICB, asking the latter to furnish the requisite $41.97 million as damages borne out of West Indies' "sudden, arbitrary withdrawal" from the India tour last October.
Webster said the name Cameron is now a bad name with Indian cricket.
"The Indians are going to insist on getting their money and I don't think they are backing down from that. Cameron is not the most popular person in India. I don't think he understood the culture of the Asian people," said Webster.
"You don't embarrass the Asians and make them lose face and expect them to support you and I would say he is probably the most unpopular West Indian in India at the moment although he thinks that he is one of the most popular."
Last month Cameron was blasted for apparently retweeting a demand for outspoken opener Chris Gayle to be given "a retirement package".
While the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) have backed the legendary former fast bowler Garner, the Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Guyana and Jamaica seem to be supporting Cameron's re-election bid.
Webster said however, it appears on the surface, Cameron might have the votes to be re-elected as WICB president.
"These secret ballots are a funny thing and Cameron did a stupid thing when he tweeted that thing about Chris Gayle. Normally Jamaicans don't go against other Jamaicans but if you criticise Chris Gayle or Usain Bolt you are asking for trouble. So although the board has been told to vote for him, it's a secret ballot and we don't know what is going to happen," Webster added.
