ST JOHN’S (Antigua), Sept 18: West Indies Cricket Board president Ken Gordon says in current circumstances there is disappointment over cancellation of Stanford 20/20 Super Series against South Africa and this among other things led to resignation of Michael Holding from WICB’s cricket committees.

Gordon said Holding advanced his reasons for doing so.

“It is unfortunate that in doing so he descended to personal abuse and defamation. There has been too much acrimony and confusion in West Indies cricket. We must reject that legacy.

“This is a time when more than ever we should be taking some little encouragement from recent positive developments. We need to build on whatever good is taking place if we are to climb out of hole in which West Indies cricket finds itself.

“Our team is competing in current series against two of best teams in world; we have entered into new dispensation in our relationship with representatives of our players association,” he said.

He denied WICB did not seriously attempt to facilitate 20/20 Super Series and in particular did not earnestly try to have Pakistan alter dates of Pakistan/West Indies series.

Gordon said Clive Lloyd denied his committee was side-stepped and said committee should not have been involved in this issue; consequently responsibility rests with WICB selectors on team selection.

He said chief cricket operations officer, Zorol Barthley told him selectors asked for deferral until after Malaysia tri-series due to Brian Lara's concerns over selecting team too early.

“I know Holding other than by reputation. I met him once at a meeting. I regret one whom I admired as one of our cricketing greats should have descended to abuse without regard to facts. At a time when good progress is being made within WICB it is important record be set straight.”—Agencies