Tour goes ahead as players sign contracts

Any lingering fears that West Indies tour of England may be in doubt were ended by news that WIPA, the players' association, have recommended that all the squad sign the contracts offered by the board.

There had been concerns that the dispute between WIPA and the board may lead to a stand-off ahead of the side leaving next Tuesday (May 8), but the matter is now subject to arbitration.

"Our decision above was made purely in the interest of West Indies Cricket and our players," a WIPA statement said. "However, we wish to reiterate that the pre-tour contractual negotiation has been unsatisfactory and must again ask that this not be repeated."

It is thought that the arbitration decision will be announced ;later next week or the week after, by which time the tour will be underway.