PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) captain Daren Ganga said Saturday he was pleased with the state of discussions with the cricket board here, as both parties sought to avoid any fallout over several issues raised by national players.

In a letter leaked to local media, the players wrote to the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) stating their unhappiness with several issues ranging from the replacing of the chief national selector, to below- par arrangements for tournaments.

"It is very unfortunate that the letter was leaked to the media. We just sent the letter to the board to have a word with them, as we try to work together," said Ganga.

"We have been having talks with the board and I must say that it has been fruitful thus far. We are going to continue talks with the board because at the end of the day, it is all about making one comfortable in order to represent their country.

"The board must be commended for providing a forum for us to meet and discuss these issues."

Letter of concerns

The letter itemised concerns over the removal of Dudnath Ram-kessoon as selection chairman, the pace of negotiations prior to the Stanford Super Series earlier this year that led to the board choosing a replacement team, and inadequate financial arrangements for the team, participation in the Twenty20 clash against Canada recently.

The players also conveyed their displeasure with the terms and conditions for the team's campaign in the Grenada Twenty20 tournament, which they claim were unsatisfactory.

Deryck Murray, the TTCB president, downplayed the ongoing discussions pointing out it was normal for the board to meet with players to deal with problems.

"The board and the players normally agree the majority of the time on a number of issues. Sometimes we would disagree, but this is in the minority," the former West Indies captain said.

"We see it as a normal meeting - in the end it is what is better for T&T's cricket is what's important. We are confident that everything will work out."