Cricket West Indies set to re-elect Azim Bassarath as vice-president

Just three days after the vice-president position at Cricket West Indies (CWI) was made vacant, on August 22, the organisation confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath will be the only candidate contesting its new vice-presidential elections on September 20.

“(At) the close of nominations, Mr Bassarath is the sole candidate, having been nominated by the Jamaica Cricket Association and Leeward Islands Cricket Board,” the August 22 CWI media release said.

“The nominations were circulated as customary, and every territorial board, which constitutes the shareholders, was adequately notified,” the release continued.

“CWI is being guided by its Articles of Association in conducting this election to ensure the process is handled with the highest standards of democratic principles and transparency.”

Bassarath was elected unopposed as CWI vice-president on March 25, 2023. However, on August 5, a ruling from Guyana’s High Court declared Bassarath’s ascension to the vice-presidential post as “null, void and of no legal effect.”

The case against CWI and Bassarath was brought up by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), which had initiated legal action against regional cricket’s governing body in April, claiming Bassarath’s election was flawed and illegal.

Last October, the GCB also sent a letter to CWI, raising concerns about the validity of Bassarath’s election. The CWI said its electoral process was “fair and transparent” and was willing to work with the GCB towards an amicable resolution. The GCB expedited the matter on its own terms, though.

Following the August 5 judgment, CWI initially expressed its desire to appeal the ruling by High Court Judge Justice Navindra Singh, contending that “the court was without jurisdiction to hear the matter and that disputes of this nature should be resolved through arbitration.”

On August 19, CWI softened its stance and declared the vice-president post vacant. CWI president Kishore Shallow told Newsday the CWI board felt it “was the most prudent action to maintain the shareholders’ utmost confidence in our electoral process.”

Shallow had also confirmed Bassarath would be going up for re-election.

As fate would have it, the TTCB president will again vie for the CWI vice-presidential post unopposed.

Newsday asked Shallow if the territorial boards, aside from Jamaica and the Leeward Islands, nominated any potential vice-presidential candidates.

Shallow simply responded, “Correct.”

An anonymous source from Guyana told Newsday another board made an attempt. "I understand they (GCB) were trying to nominate a director from Barbados, but could not get another territory to second the nomination."

At last year’s elections, Bassarath received six votes, with two voting against and four abstaining. Barring another bizarre turn of events, Bassarath will be re-elected as CWI vice-president on September 20 and will get the opportunity to fulfill his two-year term.

The CWI release promised a “robust and transparent” electoral process.

“The upcoming election will provide a timely resolution to the current vacancy of the office of the vice-president and reinforce CWI’s commitment to fair governance,” the release said.

“The organisation looks forward to the completion of this robust and transparent electoral process while continuing its efforts to advance the sport of cricket across the region.”