CRICKET WEST INDIES

– The West Indies Cricket Board has intensified its player education programme with a number of seminars across the region ahead of the Caribbean T20.

Throughout this week, Ayanna Cooper, the WICB’s Player Relations Officer, has delivered audio visual presentations on some of the major issues in the game to the region’s leading men and women players.

Cooper outlined the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Doping Code and brought players and team officials up-to-date on the details and requirements for persons playing at the regional and international level.

The WICB is a signatory to the ICC’s Anti-Doping Code, which is based on the rules of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA).

As part of her outreach, Cooper has also held meetings relating to the WICB’s general player programme. Early next year, the WICB will stage seminars on the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Programme and the ICC’s Anti-Racism Programme.

“I used the opportunity to meet with the players across the region and form a relationship with them, most of whom I am meeting for the first time. This is part of the groundwork being done by the WICB as we seek to work closely with our players,” said Cooper, a Trinidadian, who has a wealth of experience working with elite athletes.

“The players have been asking a lot of questions and this is a good sign. It shows that they are interested in their profession and want to get more knowledge. They are really interested and we are working with the regional anti-doping agencies to provide more information and education for our players. These will be the first of many seminars to be done, so we are pleased with the progress so far.”

Cooper is meeting with the regional men players as they prepare for the Caribbean Twenty20 Tournament which will be a televised event in which WICB will implement strict ICC guidelines relating to televised cricket events.