For The last few weeks I've been watching the events unfold in West Indies cricket between the players and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). I've read the comments from the players and ex-players involved in the 'crisis' and I have also been reading the reactions of the board.

I was most specifically waiting to read what Tony Becca has to say about this subject. He is a journalist whom I respect immensely since he's been covering West Indies cricket for so long. I have to say, however, that I'm disappointed about what I have seen, read and waited for.

The players have a most compelling argument and I am behind their stance 100 per cent. The WICB is the most inept cricket board of all the Test-playing nations in every respect and I must say my under-10 girls' football team is more organised and professional. I am also disappointed that Becca surmised that the WICB is the innocent party in this dispute.

Without a contract

Most of the arguments against the players seem to be that they are greedy and the WICB is broke - but over and over again the WIPA has said it is not about money - therefore, I will not even comment on that.

The other reason is that they should play on regardless of a signed contract because this is the West Indies . These are professional sportsmen, not even a conference player in the English league plays without a contract - this is also utter rubbish.

Next some say the players aren't performing and don't deserve any sympathy until they improve. This is a defeatist mentality and a purely negative one. You have to build an organisation that fosters improvement in order to improve. When Jamaica lost 6-0 to Argentina I took off my jersey - one minute later I put that jersey back on and went into the street to make everyone know that Jamaica is my team forever. I am no bandwagonist. It hurts to see my team lose, but I will do everything in my power to help them win.

Professional organisation

If we want the WI to win the WICB must be a modern professional organisation. Not until the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) got its act together did Jamaica make it to the World Cup '98. Usain Bolt had to change his coaching set-up to become the world's fastest man. Don't believe the media hype. The secret to his speed is not the man, it's the organisation. This is the same formula used by Australia to dominate the cricketing world.

The WICB, as it stands, should be abolished. It is a 1950s organisation in a 2009 world. Someone please tell me when is the last time anyone, anywhere has commended this organisation on how they have managed anything? Why are they still responsible for a sport?

I am, etc.,

ONEIL HARRIS

oreinh@bellsouth.net

Greer

South Carolina