West Indies to feature in World Cup, assure organisers

Fiasco in India not expected to affect participation in mega event next year

ABU DHABI: Cricket World Cup chief executive John Harnden said on Tuesday he was confident the West Indies would play in next year's tournament, despite their shock withdrawal from this month’s tour of India.

The West Indies cut short their India tour over an internal pay dispute, despite a fifth and final ODI, a T20 match and three Tests still to be played.

The situation has raised doubts as to whether the Caribbean side will be able to fulfil its upcoming international engagements, including a tour of South Africa followed by the World Cup.

Harnden said he was confident the issues would be resolved and the West Indies would play in the World Cup being jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from mid-February.

"We see that everyone's very focused on resolving the situation as quickly as possible," said Harnden.

"We've got 108 days until the World Cup and from our point of view, I've no doubt the West Indies will be here and entertaining the crowd as only they know how."

The World Cup 2015 will begin on February 14, with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka in Christchurch and England facing Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, former West Indies fast-bowler Ian Bishop lashed out at the players for their apparent lack of foresight, which resulted in loss of revenue for India and potential financial hardships for Caribbean cricket when the team left after an incomplete tour.

“It's unprecedented what happened,” said Bishop, according to ESPNcricinfo. “There's a sense of disbelief. It’s not a move I would have advocated. It [India] is the biggest cricketing market.

"If India weren't as kind – and they are being kind because they can take the West Indies to the cleaners – you could kill the goose that laid the golden egg for you. You could wipe the whole thing out.”

 

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