ST JOHN’S (Antigua), July 27: The rift between the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) continues to widen, latest being a reply from Bruce Aanensen, the WICB chief executive, to a letter issued by Dinanath Ramnarine, WIPA President and Chief Executive.

Aanensen alleged Ramnarine wrote the letter that was supposedly sent by the players to him, expressing displeasure over the former’s criticism over their performance during the recent tour to England.

“This kind of action is dangerous, malicious and dishonest,” Aanensen said. “In all these accusations Ramnarine has deliberately not spoken truth, quoted me out of context, or substantially misrepresented the facts.

“I consider this attack on my reputation and character to be a malicious, premeditated act on part of Ramnarine to convey a negative message regarding my style of management and my respect of others.”

He said Ramnarine deliberately left out some bits of information in his accusation.

“Where he says that he has asked for meetings with me, what he does not say is these requests are to negotiate terms of the England tour. WIPA rejected standard the tour contract offered by the WICB as is norm in tours in the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and asked to have tour negotiated,” Aanensen said.

“That is in accordance with normal industrial relations practice, that WIPA submit to us their proposal to allow us to see what they are requesting, and create basis for negotiations. To date, Ramnarine refused to submit proposal. The WICB cannot properly prepare for negotiations unless we have received a proposal from WIPA,” he added.

On issue of the players being labelled incompetent, Aanensen said: “The statement, ‘a bunch of incompetent cricketers’ was made by an ex-West Indies captain from the commentary box after Leeds Test in which the West Indies suffered their heaviest loss in our Test history. This statement was subject of discussion with a radio host who interviewed me about series of matters and is not my statement.”

“I came in this position hopeful that rift between the WICB and WIPA could be resolved. I remain hopeful, that somehow, two organisations can work together in the interest of West Indies cricket, but maturity, honesty and respect must prevail for this to be accomplished and, sadly, Ramnarine has not demonstrated these qualities,” Aanensen stated.—Agencies