The new Cricket West Indies (CWI) administration is facing its first legal action over its decision to fire Barbadian Vasbert Drakes from its coaching staff.
Drakes’ attorney, Barbadian Ralph Thorne, QC, said CWI’s actions were “unlawful” and would proceed with court action to gain “reinstatement and or compensation.”
CWI recently announced that interim head coach Richard Pybus, along with his coaching staff, had been axed ahead of next month’s ICC World Cup.
Former Barbados and West Indies captain Floyd Reifer has replaced Pybus.
Reports are that the CWI contacted Drakes by phone and advised him that his services were no longer required.
Drakes attorney said he sent a letter to CWI indicating that it was not the proper way to terminate his client’s services and they ought to do it in a more formal manner.
“Whether they reply or not, we intend to pursue this matter and I am willing to move this course to grant relief in terms of reinstatement and or compensation,” he told Barbados Today online.
Drakes was recalled for the recent tour of England after Englishman Pybus was appointed head coach in January.
The coaching staff included Englishman Toby Radford and Guyanese Eusan Crandon and Drakes who helped oversee the West Indies’ shock 2-1 win in the Test series over England.
