The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) handling of the allegations of fraud and alleged missing money continue to draw criticism from stakeholders of the game, with the North Zone Cricket Council expressing their dissatisfaction through a letter to the Board on April 30 which called on TTCB president Azim Bassarath to take responsibility for the situation.
Bassarath, who has been at the helm of the TTCB since defeating Deryck Murray for the top post in 2009, confirmed that he received the letter from the North Zone Council.
Pressed for a response, the TTCB president, who is also the Cricket West Indies vice-president, said: “I am not going to make any comment at this.”
The TTCB has been under the microscope since allegations of fraud and missing funds amounting to approximately $500,000, was brought to the attention of its members and reported to the police by treasurer Kiswah Chaitoo in December last year.
Chaitoo has since been removed from his post via a vote of no-confidence which was passed during a Special General Meeting of the Board on February 28.
Chaitoo appealed his removal to the TTCB’s Supreme Appellate Committee. Both sides would have made submissions and the hearing is due to take place this week.
The North Zone letter, signed by chairman Winston Sobers, made reference to comments made by Bassarath that the Board’s relationship with sponsors had been “severely affected” by the revelation of the allegations of missing funds.
“That is not sweetie money” the letter stated.
While commending Chaitoo for his actions, the North Zone stated: “It is deeply concerning that you, Mr Bassarath, your Executive and some members of the Board, view Mr Chaitoo’s actions as damaging to the reputation of the TTCB when in fact, it is the responsibility of the Executive to ensure proper governance practices and address any financial mismanagement promptly.”
The letter also referenced the National Gas Company and Shell reviewing and subsequently pulling their respective sponsorships with the TTCB in previous years.
The North Zone pledged its full cooperation with any investigation done by the Police or any other law enforcement agencies so that those culpable in any wrongdoing are dealt with in accordance with the law and that there is proper governance as it relates to the running of the sport.
The letter stated that the “questionable administration” of the sport “is not only threatening vitally needed sponsorship, but retarding the growth and development of national and West Indies cricket.”
Last week, the Central Zone also voiced its concerns over the TTCB’s handling of the situation.
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