Cameron, Graves welcome Windies rebranding

ST JOHN'S, Antigua, (CMC):

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Wednesday formally announced the much anticipated name change to Cricket West Indies, saying the rebranding accurately represented the function of the governing body.

President Dave Cameron had announced the move two years ago and, last January, said the process had been completed.

"Cricket West Indies better reflects how the organisation operates, as there are many different stakeholders who we work in partnership with under the unifying aim of improving cricket at all levels within the region," new chief executive, Johnny Grave, said.

"We plan to work even more closely with them over the next few years and consultation will begin immediately as we develop a new strategic plan for 2018-2023."

Cameron said the new name was more inclusive and was a key part of the new way forward in the board's enhancement of its governance.

"While the board of directors has an important role, we feel that the new name is more inclusive and appropriate as we want to recognise the valuable role that our players, territorial boards, staff, supporters, governments, coaches, match officials and volunteers play in the organisation," the Jamaican said.

"For Cricket West Indies to operate effectively and efficiently, we need all of our stakeholders to work in partnership, and the name change is an important first step in our strategy."

NAME CHANGE

In addition to the name change, the board also launched their rebranded website as well as announcing that all representative teams will be referred to as the WINDIES.

The name change for the board is the second in the last 21 years, following the decision by another Jamaican WICB president, Pat Rousseau, to drop 'Control' from the original name.

It also comes just under two years after a governance review panel, commissioned by regional national grouping, CARICOM, recommended the "immediate dissolution" of the WICB and the instalment of an interim board.

The panel, chaired by UWI Cave Hill campus professor, Eudine Barriteau, slammed the board as a "now proven, obsolete governance framework".