The Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association has distanced itself from a media report that says umpires will go on strike next season if monies owed for 2019 are not paid by Monday.

A statement alleged to have come from the BCUA was posted on the website islandstats.com, and referred to the Bermuda Cricket Board as “disrespectful and disingenuous” in its dealings with the umpires.

However, James McKirdy, the BCUA president, said last night that the statement had not been authorised and that he did not know of its origin.

The statement began: “This message serves to put you on notice that the BCUA has been treated with scan[t] respect in terms of having worked religiously all summer in support of local cricket now to have payment for those services deliberately withheld.

“I can let you know now in advance of the 2020 season that no member of the BCUA will be setting foot on any cricket ground unless they are paid at the agreed rate on or before 16 December 2019.”

The matter was meant to be among a number of contentious issues last night at the annual meeting at Warwick Workmen’s Club, but it lasted only five minutes before being suspended.