Chris Gayle criticism could see WICB president Dave Cameron in hot water
Sunday 22 February 2015 16:09, UK
The West Indies Players Association is in a fresh dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board over a social media posting.
A fan critical of opening batsman Chris Gayle's form tweeted that the veteran should be given a "retirement package" and his Twitter post was retweeted by WICB president Dave Cameron.
Gayle has scored only 41 runs in four innings and is without a century in 20 matches, scoring only four in their 150-run victory over Pakistan on Saturday.
That prompted one fan to tweet: "Gayle goes... Can't buy a run. Let's give him a retirement package ... Can't fail repeatedly and still front up based on reputation".
The message was retweeted by Cameron as the game was ongoing and WIPA has issued a statement strongly condemning his actions.
Unacceptable
"The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) is extremely disturbed by the unacceptable re-tweeting by Mr. Dave Cameron, President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), of a negative "fan" tweet which was directed at our member Mr. Christopher Gayle," the statement said.
"That Mr. Cameron's re-tweet came in the middle of the West Indies team's critical ICC CWC game against Pakistan renders it even more unacceptable.
"President and CEO of WIPA, Mr Wavell Hinds says, 'We denounce any such behaviour by any official of the WICB in any given circumstance'.
"WIPA has written to the WICB requesting a full explanation."
Cameron, who is seeking re-election, later removed the posting from his account and apologised.
"No offense intended. Full apologies extended. Rally round the West Indies," he wrote.
Gayle faces a disciplinary board hearing after the tournament after he accused the WICB of victimisation when Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo were left out of the World Cup squad.
