KINGSTOWN (St Vincent), June 11: Wes Hall said Tuesday he would not seek re-election next month as president of the West Indies Cricket Board due to a medical condition.

Hall, 65, has headed the regional cricket body since 2001, when he was elected to replace Pat Rousseau, who resigned over a dispute with the board of directors.

Hall said in a statement on Tuesday he could not continue in the post “because of a pre-existing medical condition which is exacerbated by stressful situations and constant travel.”

“I have decided to pay maximum attention to my health,” he said, but did not give any information about his condition.

A fiery fast bowler from squads of the 1960s, Hall has also been a West Indies selector and team manager and a member of the International Cricket Council’s executive board.

“These are exciting times in terms of the development of West Indies cricket,” Hall said. “I would wish to have continued in the capacity of president to guide the organisation” as it prepares to host the 2007 World Cup.

The cricket body chooses a new president at its annual meeting July 12-13 in Dominica.

During his international playing career with the West Indies, Hall took 192 Test wickets in 48 Tests. He also has played for Australia’s Queensland team, as well as for his native Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.—AP