Lloyd jumped before being pushed

Feb 16, 2012 Sports

-resigns as WICB director; has also lost ICC job

Chairman of the government Interim Management Committee (IMC) for cricket, Clive Lloyd, has bowed to conflict of interest pressures and has resigned from his position as Director of the West Indies Cricket Board.
Lloyd, in his resignation letter to President of the WICB, Dr. Julian Hunte also stated that he was recently appointed as Special Adviser on Sports to the President of Guyana Donald Ramotar.
This appointment has not yet been announced by the government.
Lloyd stated that he found himself “caught between (his) loyalty to (his) country and loyalty to the WICB” and noted that it was with a sad heart that he found himself with no other option but to resign.
He wrote that he hoped that his resignation would act as a catalyst for the members of the WICB “to ask soul searching questions and take a hard look at what could be done differently to get our cricket back to the glory days.”
However high level WICB sources have revealed to Kaieteur News that Lloyd was asked to resign by the WICB. The WICB wanted to avoid having to remove Lloyd who has been adamant that his role with the IMC is in proper order though the IMC has been condemned by the WICB and the ICC.
“It was made clear to him that if he did not resign he would have been removed as director at the next Board Meeting which is scheduled for next week,” the source stated.
“There is a clear and obvious conflict of interest in Lloyd’s role with the IMC and WICB and the ICC as well and the Board had already resolved that if Lloyd refused to do the honourable thing he would have been removed by the Board,” the source explained.
Kaieteur News also understands that Lloyd has suffered another major blow to his illustrious global reputation as he has also lost his job at the ICC where he served as Chairman of the Cricket Committee which is a paid position. The ICC is looking for a replacement for Lloyd who they hope to have in place by June.

Clive Lloyd resignation letter:
Dear Julian,
It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation to you and the West Indian Cricket Board (WICB).
I have served West Indies Cricket faithfully for over 46+ years both as player and captain (1966 – 1985) and as administrator from 1990 to the present time. I carried out my functions with integrity and passion for a sport that gave me my upward mobility.
As you are probably aware, I was recently appointed as Special Adviser on Sports to the President of Guyana. At the end of last year I was asked by the Government of Guyana to come home and head up an Interim Management Committee on Cricket, as a result of deep seated problems plaguing the GCB and a ruling from the Chief Justice. The issues facing the GCB I will not go into, however my love for the game and love for my country meant that I did not hesitate to answer the call.
As one of the most successful West Indian Captains in the history of our game, I have to say that I am very concerned not just about the state of cricket in my country but the state of West Indian cricket as a whole – the lack of accountability and consultation and limited discussion about the stagnant state of our Cricket.
Given my standing in the International cricketing world I would have hoped that my decision to answer my country’s call would have signaled a message to you that all was not well with Guyana’s cricket and therefore had your support and cooperation. However instead I have found myself caught between my loyalty to my country and loyalty to the WICB.
After much deliberation, with a sad heart I had no other option but to tender my resignation as Director of the Board. I hope that my resignation would act as a catalyst for the members of the Board to ask soul searching questions and take a hard look at what could be done differently to get our cricket back to the glory days.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Board Members for their support over the years. If at any time I could be of help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kindest Regards,
Clive H Lloyd CBE

Dr. Julian Hunte response to Lloyd’s resignation:
Dear Clive:
It is with regret that I accept your resignation. There is no doubt that you will be missed and I look forward to you once again playing a vital role in West Indies cricket.
I had hoped that by joining me in August 2011 to meet the Government of Guyana to resolve the situation there, you would have provided the leadership needed. It is unfortunate that you ended up as Chairman of the Interim Management Committee.
You will recall that we did agree in August 2011 that the IMC would serve as an advisory body to assist the Guyana Cricket Board to reform and restructure. Instead, the IMC has now taken over the functions of the Guyana Cricket Board and purports to act as the legitimate cricketing authority. Having done so and with you as Chairman, you can appreciate as had been discussed with you, that it would be untenable that you continue as a Director of the WICB.
You have served on the Board and are aware of the attempts that we have made to transform West Indies cricket. It is a mammoth task but we all agree that it needs to be done, will take time and will require courage to do so.
I did look forward to the task given to you in Jamaica during our June 2011 Board Meeting to undertake a tour of the region to meet all ex-players to see how we can better integrate them in the functioning of the WICB. I still hope it is a project you can undertake if you return to the Board.
I do hope you can bring a sense of reason to the Government of Guyana that the situation can be resolved in the best interest of all if the CARICOM negotiated understanding is signed. As you are aware the WICB is willing to sign immediately.
Best wishes,
(Not signed as sent electronically)
Julian R. Hunte
President
WICB