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WI player boycott: Match is on, BCCI officials insist

October 08, 2014 11:34 IST

MS Dhoni, Duncan Fletcher

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni with coach Duncan Fletcher during a practice session ahead of the first ODI against the West Indies at Kochi International Stadium on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI

A cloud of doubt hung over the series between India and the West Indies after the visiting team threatened to go on strike over an acrimonious pay dispute, which has prompted the aggrieved players to take ‘appropriate action’ if needed.

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The West Indies team skipped Tuesday's practice session and the pre-match press conference, triggering speculation of boycotting the first ODI against India due to a pay dispute between the players and the West Indies Players Association president and chief executive Wavell Hinds.

Both the BCCI and the Kerala Cricket Association however insisted that Wednesday's match was on.

"The BCCI is not bothered about their internal issues. But as far as we are concerned the match is on," Board secretary Sanjay Patel said.

KCA secretary T C Mathew said, "The match will take place at scheduled time. All the rumours of alleged boycott that are floating around are wrong."