PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - There have been calls by several former regional and international cricketers for former West Indies wicketkeeper Deryck Murray to lead West Indies cricket. These calls have come in the wake of outgoing West Indies Cricket Board president Teddy Griffith's decision not to seek a second term in office.

Murray. overwhelmed by the concern of the Caribbean people

Former Trinidad & Tobago fast bowler and current United National Congress activist Dr Tim Gopeesingh said Sunday that Murray has all that was necessary to fill the position.

"Murray has the skills in management and, combined with his cricketing ability, he will undoubtedly be in an unenviable position as a main contender for the presidency," Gopeesingh said.

"He is well respected by (officials of) the other Caribbean countries and I think that he will be a good and ideal choice for the post."
Former T&T and West Indies off-spinner and captain Rangy Nanan said Murray will be an interesting candidate to head the WICB.

"Having played the game at the highest level, served as a diplomat, along with well-known management skills and ability, I think Murray has the necessary experience and qualification for the job," Nanan said. "I think it will be a good move for him to challenge for the position."

Omar Khan, T&T's most successful cricket manager in recent times, said he will support any move to have Murray as president of the WICB.

"I think that Murray is the ideal candidate for the job. He is a successful former Test cricketer and has served in various managerial positions during his working career, which is definitely a good blend," Khan said.

"We need someone with a business acumen because we ought to transfer the regional board to a business entity, with proper structure and organisation."

Former T&T and West Indies left-arm spinner Raphick Jumadeen also gave the thumbs up for Murray to challenge for the position.
"Deryck Murray is the right man to run West Indies cricket. Besides having cricketing experience, he is also well qualified," Jumadeen said.

"West Indies cricket needs someone like him to chart our course in an upward direction."
Griffith informed the Board last week that he would not be standing for re-election to a second term at the Board's sixth annual general meeting on July 16, causing widespread speculation over a possible replacement.

When contacted Sunday, Murray said the possibility of him being elevated to the top cricketing post was speculative.
"So, in any kind of conjecture, it is purely academic for an outside person to get in. However, I am really overwhelmed by the concern of the Caribbean people," Murray said.

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