PORT-OF-SPAIN, March 18: West Indies' World Cup progress could be hampered by another row over cash and contracts, it emerged on Sunday.

Tournament contracts for the 15-man squad were sent out on Friday, according to media reports here, but it is not clear whether the players have signed them.

“The players have not received any contracts or signed any contracts,” West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president Dinanath Ramnarine told the Trinidad Sunday Express.

“Agreements have been reached but as far as we are concerned, we are not clear why the contracts have not been given to the players as yet.”

Arguments over contracts are not new in the West Indies.

In 2005, skipper Brian Lara as well as a number of leading players were dropped from the squad in a row over personal deals while, in April 2006, the West Indies were the final Test-playing nation to offer central retainer contracts to their stop stars.

The latest disagreement went to arbitration in February with West Indies Cricket Board awaiting clarification on a number of issues arising from those talks.

“When we went to arbitration in February, a decision was made to which we were bound. But we sought clarification on four points within the decision,” said WICB corporate communications manager, Tony Deyal.

When asked about rumours of a players' strike in the World Cup, Deyal said that he was doubtful if such a drastic measure would occur.—AFP