Wes Hall to step down

Wesley Hall has cited a pre-existing medical condition for his decision not to seek re-election as president of the West Indies Cricket Board.

Hall, 65, has headed the regional cricket body since 2001, when he was elected to replace Pat Rousseau, who resigned over a dispute with the board of directors.

Hall said on Tuesday he cannot not continue in the post "because of a pre-existing medical condition which is exacerbated by stressful situations and constant travel".

"I have decided to pay maximum attention to my health," he continued, but was not specific over the exact nature of his condition.

A fiery fast bowler in the 1960s, Hall, from Barbados, took 192 wickets in 48 Tests.

He has also been a West Indies selector and team manager and a member of the International Cricket Council's executive board.

Outside the sport, Hall served as a parliamentarian in Barbados in the 1980s, and was minister of tourism, of labour and of sport at various times in the Barbados Cabinet.

"These are exciting times in terms of the development of West Indies cricket," Hall said.

"I would wish to have continued in the capacity of president to guide the organization as it prepares to host the 2007 World Cup."

The WICB will elect a new president at its annual meeting on July 12-13 in Dominica.

Sikkim seeks full BCCI affiliation

In a bid to give fresh impetus to cricketing activities in the state, the Sikkim Cricket Association has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India to accord it full affiliation and work for establishment of a cricket stadium in the state.

The request was made at a meeting of the north eastern states and the union territories convened by BCCI in Kolkata early last week, an official statement quoting state Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Q K Mohora said at Gangtok on Tuesday.

The Board was informed of the support given by the government in the promotion of cricket in the state at the
meeting.

The improved performance of the state cricket team in recent tournaments, including the East Zone competition, where Sikkim defeated all teams except the one from Bengal, also figured at the meeting, the statement said.

Haladhar Das to undergo training at NCA

Budding Orissa wicketkeeper Haladhar Das has been chosen to undergo training at the National Cricket Academy at Bangalore for a week from June 16, according to an Orissa Cricket Association statement in Cuttack on Wednesday.

Das, who represents Orissa in under-19 tournaments, was earlier selected by the zonal cricket academy to represent East zone and undergo training at the zonal cricket academy at Bangalore for two months from April 15 last.

He is presently undergoing training in Bangalore and is scheduled to participate in the Hemu Adhikari tournament, the statement said.

Broken hand to sideline Hick for six weeks

Former England batsman Graeme Hick is facing a six-week lay-off after breaking his left hand.

Zimbabwe-born Hick missed Worcestershire's C & G Trophy quarter-final against Leicestershire on Tuesday after being hit on the hand by a delivery from Glamorgan seamer Michael Kasprowicz on Sunday.

Worcestershire were hoping Hick would be available but it was confirmed shortly before today's last-eight clash that Hick has broken a bone in his hand and is likely to be absent for four to six weeks.