Lara suggests compromises all round

Brian Lara, who is among the seven players not considered for selection by the West Indian selectors owing to a sponsorship dispute, has said that the matter could still be sorted out by adopting a "give-and-take" philosophy.

In a statement published in the Trinidad Express, Lara said that the time had long passed where any one party could say "I am only taking and not giving". He went on: "We all have to admit that in everyday life, we do and say things that we would do and say differently, if we had another chance. I suggest a lot of sincere apologies - private apologies - would pave that way forward, and once an apology is offered, let the issue be dropped once and for all."

The statement, which was drafted earlier but released yesterday, further said: "If it is felt that I owe someone an apology, even if maybe I feel I was right, let me try to understand the other point of view and apologise for the negative perception created. The same for everyone involved. What has happened has happened. We cannot rewrite history, but we can learn from it. When people talk, miracles happen; when they do not talk, then the world has to guess and they often guess wrong."

Lara said he was more than willing to mediate between all the parties - the board, the players, Digicel and Cable & Wireless - to bring about a settlement. "If I can help, I am prepared to speak to anyone, anywhere and at any time, but I suggest with respect that positive action is needed now. Time is not on our side and hatchets have to be buried with haste if indeed there are hatchets to be buried.

"Let us sit and dialogue with goodwill and sensitivity and generosity of thought, Let us admit there is something called 'another point of view' which deserves respect and should be listened to, even if we disagree ... Let us do everything to create a win-win situation and prevent a lose-lose situation. In my frank opinion, it will be one of the two. I do not think a win-lose result will go down well."