WICB defends plan to impose 20 percent levy on T20 stars

St.John's (Antigua), Nov 10 (IANS) The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has defended its decision to impose a 20 percent levy on the contract fees of its T20 stars playing in overseas domestic tournaments, saying revenue raised will be used to aid the development of players in the territories.

A statement from the WICB released on Wednesday, said some of the funds will be disbursed as an incentive for territories to "expose new cricket talent", reports CMC.

The unprecedented move by the WICB proposed to take 20 percent of T20 players' contract fees in exchange for a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to compete in overseas T20 tournaments.

"A portion of these funds derived from these release fees will also go back to the clubs and franchises/territories in recognition of the role they played in developing the player and as an incentive for them to continuously expose new cricket talent," the statement said.

"The WICB earlier this year distributed player production fees to all the territories/franchises and clubs from which players came from."

The WICB says it has communicated its new policy to the CEOs and Presidents of all International Cricket Council (ICC) full members.

The statement also said that so far India and Bangladesh have agreed to the release of fees.

However they are reports that WICB's new policy has been rejected by Cricket South Africa and there has been no response yet from the Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia.

The Federation of International Players' Association (FICA) has condemned the move and has threatened legal action against the WICB.

Insignia Sports, who manages West Indies all-rounders Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle among others, also plans to challenge the WICB move.

"WICB understands that this policy decision may result in reciprocal agreements from other full member boards for obtaining NOCs for their players," said the WICB statement.

"We view this approach as necessary to preserve the best interests of West Indies cricket at both domestic and international levels."

--IANS

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