Windies players advised not to sign ICC contract

West Indies cricketers are being advised against signing a contract that would prohibit them from endorsing rival sponsors during a tournament in Sri Lanka next month.

If the players don't sign the contract, they can't compete in the Champions Trophy tournament being held Sept 12 to 29.

The West Indies Players Association, which advised players not to sign the contract, covers all 14 cricketers named to the West Indies team which, in addition to 11 other teams, is to play in the tournament.

The secretary of the West Indies Players Association, Roland Holder, said his organisation was following the recommendation of the Federation of International Cricketers Associations.

"Their opinion is that players should not sign as there is a clause in the contract that is illegal," he said. The clause in the general contract says that players can't endorse rival sponsors of the International Cricket Council during tournaments under its jurisdiction, which includes the Sri Lanka tournament.

If a player, for example, endorsed one product and the cricket council endorsed another product, it would be a conflict of interest. Under the contract, players would not be able to endorse rival sponsors during, a month before and a month after the tournament.

Holder says some players have already signed contracts with sponsors and the cricket council contract could breach their previous agreements.

The cricket federation's affiliates in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have also advised their members to reject the contract.

The International Cricket Council's chief executive, Malcolm Speed, defended the need to sign the contract.

"In line with other major sporting events and previous cricket World Cups, the ICC is protecting its commercial partners by ensuring that their competitors are unable to associate with the event," Speed said.

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