Player eligibility discussion advanced - Browne

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

West Indies chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, has hinted that the process to amend the controversial eligibility rule was at an advanced stage.

Speaking to Massy United Insurances Line & Length TV Show here, Browne said the process was currently being discussed at the West Indies cricket committee level and from there would go on to the full board.

"There's some discussion going on about revisiting the eligibility rule," said the former West Indies wicketkeeper.

"It is with the West Indies cricket committee and then that will go to the board, and, see what happens from there.

"But I think it is important that we understand that our domestic cricket is key and players coming out of our domestic cricket, and showing they can go to the international level and perform, is important.

"Yes, we have to look at it, but we have to be mindful that we have to develop our product, we have to develop our tournament. We have to develop it to a stage where we have a very good standard of regional cricket."

The eligibility rule requires players to make themselves available for domestic tournaments in order to qualify for selection to the West Indies side in the various formats.

However, this has proved a sore point for marquee players over the years, as it has required them to forego lucrative contracts in foreign leagues to return home.

Only recently, veteran right-hander Marlon Samuels was ruled ineligible for the one-day side because he played only two games of the Regional Super50 before heading to Pakistan to take up a T20 contract.

Last March, newly appointed Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams said the rule was in definite need of review.