WICB apologises for Sammy comments

The West Indies Cricket Board has issued an apology for captain Darren Sammy's post-game comments following the side’s World T20 triumph.

After recording a remarkable last-over victory over England, Sammy said in his post-match interview that the team had “felt disrespected” by the WICB and that they hadn’t received any messages of support from them in the lead-up to the final.

A short time after the match, the WICB issued a statement congratulating the men’s and women’s teams on their successful campaign in India.

A few hours after Sammy’s comments, the WICB issued a second statement to praise organisers for a successful tournament and also to issue an apology from President Dave Cameron for Sammy's comments after the match.

“The President would like to however apologise for what could be deemed inappropriate comments made by the West Indies’ male captain, Darren Sammy in a post-match interview and would like to apologize on behalf of the WICB, to the millions of fans who witnessed,” the statement read, without specifying which of Sammy’s comments Cameron was apologising for.

“The President has pledged to enquire the reason and will have the matter addressed.”

Quick Single: Sammy praises teammates, criticises board

The Windies’ win in the final came less than two months after a pay dispute with the WICB threatened to derail their entire campaign, with the two parties agreeing to terms not long before the tournament began.

The West Indies were forced to abandon a limited-over series against India mid-tour in October 2014 after a financial disagreement between players, the West Indies Players’ Association and the WICB.

The frayed relations between players and board resurfaced in February when Sammy wrote a public letter on behalf of the players to the WICB in an attempt to resolve another pay dispute.

The WICB have suggested their “annual review” in May, to be held after the Indian Premier League where several high-profile West Indians will be playing, will provide an opportunity for the players, team management and coaching staff to settle their differences.

Cameron said in his statement that the board understands the financial lure of domestic T20 leagues and hopes to work with the players and the International Cricket Council to ensure the best players will represent the West Indies in future matches.

“There are players who are currently committed to playing in the T20 cricket leagues around the world and we are aware of that schedule, hence the plan to meet at that time,” Cameron was quoted as saying in the WICB statement.

“We want to see how we can find common ground in ensuring that the best players in the region are available for selection for West Indies teams.

“We are fully aware of the financial rewards on offer in the lucrative international T20 leagues, but we believe deeply in the importance of cricket to the people of the region and of West Indies cricket’s place in world cricket.

“It is therefore a priority to have all of our players competing and available for selection. We will also engage the ICC on this so that we protect not only the rich heritage and legacy of West Indies Cricket, but also its future.”