Stanford 'pulls stumps' from regional cricket

Sir Allen Stanford announced in a press release issued late yesterday that “a full review of the 2008 Stanford 20/20 cricket programme is being undertaken in light of the well publicised contractual issues with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) which a

COOLIDGE, Antigua, December 18, 2008 – The future of Sir Allen Stanford’s involvement in regional cricket is now in doubt, following a move by the Texan billionaire to dissolve the board of his West Indies cricket legends and review his 20/20 programme.

He announced in a press release issued late yesterday that “a full review of the 2008 Stanford 20/20 cricket programme is being undertaken in light of the well publicised contractual issues with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) which arose prior to the start of the Stanford Super Series”.

Those issues surrounded the dispute between the WICB and sponsors Digicel which threatened to block the Stanford 20/20 for 20 series in November. The two sides subsequently reached a compromise.

But even in announcing his decision to disband the Board of Legends Sir Allen made it clear that he still has a desire to work with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He said discussions are ongoing between Stanford 20/20 LLC and the ECB.

Sir Allen thanked each of the legends for their “involvement, guidance and counsel” over the past three years.  The 12 who were contracted by him to promote the Stanford 20/20 brand are Vivian Richards, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes, Rev Wes Hall, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Lance Gibbs, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, and Richie Richardson.

“The Board has 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,” he said.

Sir Allen introduced 20/20 cricket in the Caribbean with the inaugural tournament in July 2006.