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Cape Town – The tottering West Indies summer tour of South Africa appears to have received a welcome shot in the arm at the weekend.
Reports from the Caribbean suggest a meeting aimed at solving the contracts dispute which saw West Indies sensationally abandon their one-day international tour of India in mid-roster, had a “positive” outcome although any official confirmation was still awaited.
The Kingston-based Jamaica Gleaner newspaper (http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20141103/sports/sports1.html) said on Monday that feuding factions had reached a resolution.
It quoted St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who chaired the talks, as saying that “very good progress” had been made.
“I think that on the basis of the discussions, we have the framework and the modalities for the resolution of the issues and for cricket lovers.”
Of particularly heartening interest to South Africans, he added: “I fully expect that the best team will be in South Africa representing us.”
There had been earlier speculation that a weakened West Indies side might be sent, omitting the 14 first-choice squad members who quit India early, incurring the wrath of the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is seeking US$42-million in compensation from its Caribbean equivalent body, the WICB.
The West Indies are due to be the Proteas’ lone incoming opponents in the 2014/15 season, ahead of the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand from February.
Their programme includes three Tests, three Twenty20 internationals and five ODIs.
The importance of the Caribbean outfit bringing the cream of their personnel was only emphasised on Sunday as several top-line West Indies players, representing South African franchises in the domestic T20 opening-round triple-header at the Wanderers, lit up the day.
Especially on song were Kieron Pollard for the Cape Cobras (72 not out and 3/22) and the Lions’ major acquisition Chris Gayle (4/36 and 56).
*A Cricket South Africa spokesperson told Sport24 that CEO Haroon Lorgat was on a flight to Dubai and comment on the Windies peace talks would only be available later on Monday or on Tuesday.
*Follow our chief writer on Twitter: @RobHouwing
