THE West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has raised concerns over the comments of incoming WICB chief executive officer, Ernest Hilaire, about the future of captain Chris Gayle.

In an interview with Cricinfo, Hilaire said Gayle’s position will have to be considered following his remarks earlier in the year about Test cricket.

“It is for the selection committee to discuss and make a recommendation to the board,” Hilarie told Cricinfo. “Chris has said in the recent past that he is not that interested in playing Test cricket anymore.

I’m very open minded, and I am not sure what the selection committee is thinking. But I would have thought in light of recent reports it would be wise to ask him the meaning of his comments.”

However, WIPA have questioned whether Hilaire’s views are personal or those of the board because he doesn’t officially take office until October 1. WIPA fear that because the selectors report to the CEO that Hilaire’s comments could become prejudicial to deciding Gayle’s future.

“Dr. Hilaire has not yet assumed the office of CEO but has made statements that some might consider disturbing as it relates to one of the most important positions in the fabric of Caribbean life – captain of the West Indies team,” said a statement.

“Thus WIPA believes that his comments – whether representative of the WICB or personal – could well be considered prejudicial to the integrity of the selection process and have the potential to impact on the process of the appointment of an individual to the important position of West Indies captain.

“The system which exists within the WICB whereby the selectors are appointed by the WICB and report to Chief Operations Officer, who functions under directive from the CEO, is relevant in this regard.

“WIPA hopes that Dr. Hilaire’s comments are not meant to serve as groundwork for the eventual victimisation of Mr. Gayle with regard to him being re-installed as captain of the West Indies team – a position he performed in with significant success during his almost two year tenure. (Cricinfo)