Guyana High Court deems election of Cricket West Indies VP Azim Bassarath unlawful, CWI to appeal ruling

Guyana High Court Judge Navindra Singh on Monday ruled that the election of Azim Bassarath as Vice-president of Cricket West Indies (CWI) was null, void and of no legal effect .

It also deemed that the election was  contrary to the Articles of Association of Cricket West Indies and the laws and rules governing elections.

Bassarath of Trinidad and Tobago was elected to the post at the last CWI election in March last year.

Following the ruling on Monday, CWI has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal.

In  a statement on its website, CWI said: “The case was brought against Cricket West Indies Inc., Mr Bassarath, and Mr Gregory Nicholls, the Returning Officer, all of whom were named as Respondents in the Action. Through Counsel, the Respondents contended that the Court was without jurisdiction to hear the matter and that disputes of this nature should be resolved through arbitration. On the contrary, the Court decided it had jurisdiction and granted the orders sought by the GCB.

“The respondents respectfully differ with the Court’s ruling. Consequently, CWI has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal, and will await the decision of the appellate Court.

The election of Bassarath as CWI Vice President was held at the 24th Annual General Meeting in Antigua on March 25, 2023.  Bassarath was unopposed, and gained six votes with two voting against, while four abstained.

In October 2023, the GCB called for the resignation of Bassarath, questioning the “legal basis” of the March 25 elections at which the Trinidadian cricket administrator was elected. ( CWI/Guyana Newsroom)