COOLIDGE, Antigua (CMC):

SIR ALLEN Stanford has dissolved his board of West Indies cricket legends in a sudden move on Monday that has thrown his sensational involvement in cricket in doubt.

In a press release late yesterday that followed widespread reports that he was pulling out of cricket because he was angry over issues surrounding recent heavy losses (US$40 million) from the Stanford Super Series, Sir Allen suggested he was not fully withdrawing.

He said he wishes to continue to work with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and that discussions are currently ongoing between Stanford 20/20 LLC and the ECB.

The Texan billionaire announced that a "full review" of the 2008 Stanford 20/20 cricket programme was being undertaken in light of the well-publicised contractual issues with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) which arose before the start of the Stanford Super Series.

Contractual issues

These "contractual issues" refer to the acrimonious contractual dispute between the WICB and its main sponsor, Digicel, that threatened to overturn the lucrative recent Stanford 20/20 for 20 series in Antigua last month.

Digicel won its case at the High Court in London after it argued successfully that the Stanford Superstars, who went on to win the US$20 million jackpot on November 1, were a West Indies representative side in all but name and therefore ought to have been bound by the same lucrative contract that had been signed between Digicel and the WICB.

The tournament went ahead, eventually, after a compromise was reached between Digicel and Stanford that - in effect - shaved the financial prospects for Stanford's investment.

His future involvement in West Indies cricket now appears to hang in the balance.

In addition to the US$20 million to the victorious Superstars team of Caribbean players, he also surrendered US$20 million in the unsuccessful pursuit of television and sponsorship deals.

Five-year deal

The WICB and ECB were set to benefit immensely from a multimillion five-year deal through Stanford's initiatives, but Stanford is now re-examining his plans.

Stanford confirmed yesterday that he has disbanded his board of West Indies legends.

"The Stanford 20/20 Board was dissolved on Monday, December 15, pending the review," the press release stated.

The release said Sir Allen personally thanked each of the legends of West Indies cricket for their "involvement, guidance and counsel over the past three years".

The legends, including Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Garry Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes, and Reverend Wes Hall, had been on retainer contracts to promote his brand.

Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Lance Gibbs, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and Richie Richardson complete the list of 12 legends.

The release said the board had been integral to Stanford 20/20's commitment to the development of West Indies cricket, and the board members continue to play an important role in the review process.

"Stanford 20/20 and the efforts of its board have reinvigorated widespread interest in the game throughout the Caribbean and have enhanced the image of West Indies cricket globally. The board has been instrumental in developing a whole new fan base in the region," said Sir Allen.

Sir Allen confirmed that it was his intention to announce the programme for 2009 and beyond by the end of next month.