18 December 2004	Saturday	05 Ziqa'ad 1425

BRIDGETOWN, Dec 17: The dispute over player endorsements has taken another twist in West Indies cricket, thus causing a delay in announcement of regional squad for January's triangular one-day series in Australia.

Roger Brathwaite, Chief Executive Officer of West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), confirmed "the board is waiting to hear from Prime Minister (Keith) Mitchell with respect to the process we are going through."

It is understood that 18 names were submitted to the board, including four standbys, and possibility exists that captain Brian Lara, vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo may not make the trip to Australia.

The four players are considered sure picks in squad to Australia but their endorsement deals with Cable & Wireless, a competitor of Digicel, board's main sponsor, could affect their selection.

Brathwaite confirmed 18 names were forwarded to the board. "The selectors have met, they have made contingencies and are waiting outcome of meeting with Prime Minister," he said.

However, when asked if the players with Cable & Wireless deals could be left out of the team to Australia, he said: "I am not at liberty to comment on that, that is speculation. We are waiting on outcome of adjudicator's ruling and meeting with prime minister."

The dispute between WICB and West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) arose through a conflict between some players endorsements which conflicted with that of the board. A meeting was called between parties by Grenada Prime Minister Mitchell, who is chairman of Cricket Sub-Committee of Caribbean Community (CARICOM). -PPI