"Andre Russel earns more 'paisa' playing IPL than for West Indies" - Tino Best

Former West Indies pacer Tino Best has shed light on the financial problems between the players and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). He feels that while franchise cricket has given players financial security, it has also reduced their interest in representing the nation.

Speaking on the podcast "An Innings With...", Tino Best cited the example of hard-hitting West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, who earns a fortune playing in tournaments like the IPL.

Russell has, at times, opted out of a few international assignments, and Best believes it is the poor finances of the WICB that make this happen. The pacer also spoke about the reasons why WICB can't afford to give million dollar contracts to their players.

Tino Best believes the Kieron Pollard-led West Indies team has enough talent to successfully defend its T20 World Cup crown later this year. Although India come close, he reckons Pollard and his men are better equipped.

"West Indies are the most talented T20 team. They have the best finishers. At the end of the day, India are contenders. But tournament cricket, West Indies are the double defending champions. You just can't write them off when its tournament cricket," Tino Best concluded.

After playing 210 overs, New Zealand declared their innings at 680/8. India played out the remaining 52 overs of the game to ensure a draw. Virat Kohli (105* in 135 balls) and Rohit Sharma (31*) were unbeaten in the end, with 166/3 on the board.