Board's top brass to face court in 'Chris Gayle restraint of trade' trial

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

A date has been set for the start of the trial in the US$20 million lawsuit brought against the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) by the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

Hearings in the high-profile case are due to begin on November 28 in a Port-of-Spain high court, Trinidad and Tobago media have reported.

High ranking officials of the WICB, including president Julien Hunte, have been mandated to attend what has been dubbed the 'Chris Gayle restraint of trade' trial between the WICB and WIPA.

Subpoenas have been served on Hunte, vice-president Dave Cameron, former CEO Dr Ernest Hilaire, chief financial officer Barry Thomas and directors Dr Allen Sammy and Baldath Mahabir, both from Trinidad.

WIPA has sued the WICB on behalf of Gayle and all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for US$20 million for loss of income and reputation.

The players' body is alleging that the players were denied No Objection Certificates (NOC), which they needed in order to participate in worldwide T20 tournaments.

The Trinidad Guardian has reported that Gayle and Bravo were denied NOCs in 2009 and 2010, and suffered loss of earnings, as well as damage to their reputation.

Gayle, who initially played with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, could not re-sign for a second season after failing to obtain the NOC from the WICB.

Bravo suffered the same fate as a member of the Mumbai Indians.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India requires all overseas players to get NOCs from their respective boards in order to take part in the IPL.

It is also been reported that the players denied NOCs were also not centrally contracted by the WICB.

When the trial begins, Hunte will become the first sitting WICB president to appear before the court in a matter concerning the regional players and cricket administration.