Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that it is going to appeal a ruling by the High Court of Guyana about the appointment of its vice-president Azim Bassarath.
On Monday, August 5, the High Court of Guyana ruled in favour of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), which had challenged the election of Bassarath for the prestigious role.
Bassarath was elected unopposed as CWI vice-president at the 24th annual general meeting in Antigua on March 25, 2023. It was a comprehensive result for Bassarath, who gained six votes with only two voting against. Meanwhile, four preferred not to vote.
However, a case was filed against Cricket West Indies Inc., Bassarath, and Gregory Nicholls, the returning officer, with everyone of them being named as respondents in the action.
In a press release issued on Monday, CWI mentioned it would appeal the decision from the High Court of Guyana.
“The respondents respectfully differ with the court’s ruling. Consequently, CWI has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal and will await the decision of the appellate court,” CWI’s press release stated.
Ahead of the elections in 2023, the GCB initially nominated Bassarath but went on to withdraw its nomination in writing before the elections took place, but after the nomination period had expired.
During the elections, the GCB’s representatives reiterated the Board’s stand regarding the withdrawal of the nomination and objected to CWI’s decision to proceed with the election of Bassarath, even though the nomination was withdrawn.
According to the GCB, the decision to withdraw its nomination of Bassarath was taken after the Guyana Board received certain information in the lead-up to the CWI elections, that included serious allegations of misconduct at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, reported Jamaica Gleaner.
Guyana is one of the most successful cricketing nations in the Caribbean and has given the West Indies several legendary players, including the likes of Clive Lloyd, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Carl Hooper.