Clive Lloyd resigns as Director of the WICB

After 46 years of service to West Indies cricket as a player and administrator, Clive Lloyd has resigned as a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

Lloyd noted that he was a faithful servant of West Indies cricket. He was the captain of the Caribbean side, which won the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979, from 1966-1985. After his playing days he became an administrator in 1990 up to the time of his resignation last Tuesday.

The West Indies legend indicated that throughout his years as an administrator he has carried out his “functions with integrity and passion for a sport that gave me my upward mobility.” On the other hand, the 67-year-old Lloyd stated in his letter that he was concerned with the state of cricket in Guyana and the West Indies.

Against this backdrop, Lloyd wrote, he answered the call of the “Government of Guyana to come home and head up an Interim Management Committee on Cricket.” He noted also that with the problems that are facing the game in Guyana, his taking the position would have signaled to the WICB that all was not well.

Rather, Lloyd said that “I have found myself caught between my loyalty to my country and loyalty to the WICB.” He outlined that it was with deep regret he tendered his resignation.

“As you are probably aware, I was recently appointed as Special Adviser on Sports to the President of Guyana. At the end of last year, I was asked by the Government of Guyana to come home and head up an Interim Management Committee on Cricket, as a result of deep seated problems plaguing the GCB and a ruling from the Chief Justice. The issues facing the GCB I will not go into, however my love for the game and love for my country meant that I did not hesitate to answer the call.

“As one of the most successful West Indian Captains in the history of our game, I have to say that I am very concerned not just about the state of cricket in my country but the state of West Indian cricket as a whole – the lack of accountability and consultation and limited discussion about the stagnant state of our Cricket”, Lloyd explained.

Meanwhile, in a response from WICB president Julian Hunte to Lloyd it was noted that it was with regret that he accepted the resignation but is looking forward to him once again playing a vital role in West Indies cricket.

Hunte said, however, it was unfortunate that Lloyd had become the IMC head which had compromised his position with the WICB.

“You will recall that we did agree in August 2011 that the IMC would serve as an advisory body to assist the Guyana Cricket Board to reform and restructure,” Hunte wrote.

“Instead, the IMC has now taken over the functions of the Guyana Cricket Board and purports to act as the legitimate cricketing authority.

“Having done so and with you as Chairman, you can appreciate as had been discussed with you, that it would be untenable that you continue as a Director of the WICB.” Hunte said he hoped Lloyd could bring “a sense of reason” to the Guyana government in reaching an agreement to resolve the impasse.