The West Indies Cricket Board has accepted, "with regret", the resignation of its chief executive Bruce Aanensen after a meeting in Barbados on Saturday. Aanensen had sent his resignation letter to the board president on Tuesday.

"The board recognises that the reasons given by Mr. Aanensen for his resignation relate to very complex and challenging matters with which it will continue to be engaged," said the WICB. "After discussion and review, the board is satisfied that the president has acted in the best interests of West Indies cricket at this time."

Barry Thomas, the WICB's chief financial officer, was expected to act as chief executive officer in the interim. Aanensen took up the position in February, replacing Roger Brathwaite, who stepped down in 2006.

Aanensen was involved in a number of disputes with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) including the contracts issue during the build-up to the World Cup and the controversy over whether or not the subsequent tour to England was part of the ICC's Future Tours Program.

The appointment of Dinanath Ramnarine, the president of the WIPA, as a director with the WICB and the new board president Julian Hunte's decision to work with the WIPA to resolve all outstanding issues was thought to have precipitated Aanensen's decision to relinquish his post.