PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)

Former West Indies leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine has been given an overwhelming vote of confidence by the region's cricketers, after being re-elected unopposed as president of the West Indies Players Association.

Ramnarine, who has led the regional players' union for the last six years, was given the rubber stamp by players following the annual general meeting in Guyana Sunday.

The 33-year old, who played 12 Tests for the West Indies between 1998 and 2002, will also work with the same executive after they, too, were returned unopposed.

Rights and interests

Wavell Hinds will again serve as vice-president, former Windies captain Jimmy Adams will perform the role as secretary while current T&T captain Daren Ganga will assist him.

Barbadian accountant and former Test all-rounder Ian Bradshaw will serve as treasurer.

In a press release on Monday, Ramnarine assured the players that "in addition to looking after their rights and interests, the executive would continue to participate in dealing with the challenges in the regional and international cricket arena".

"The executive plans to become more involved in the promotion and development of cricket through community projects in keeping with the strategic plan of WIPA," the release said.

Ramnarine said strengthening the club structure in the Caribbean and ensuring the rounded development of players through "a well-structured educational programme", would continue to be WIPA's focus.

Ramnarine, who has led WIPA into several bruising battles with the West Indies Cricket Board over player issues in recent years, is now also a director of the organisation after being appointed last year.

The WIPA AGM was held in Guyana in order to allow the bulk of the region's cricketers, currently contesting the West Indies Cricket Board Cup, to take an active role in the meeting.