Stanford's indecision leaves ECB on tenterhooks

The future of English cricket's big money deal with Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford remains uncertain after mixed messages from the Caribbean.

The American businessman - who signed up to an annual $20million match involving England and his West Indies 'Superstars' team through to 2012 - has confirmed that a "full review" is being undertaken but "reaffirmed his desire" to continue to work with the ECB.

According to a Stanford spokesman, though, "he is still evaluating his options and no decision has been made over whether to possibly have a different format or continue as is."

At stake is not only the $20m game but also the planned quadrangular international tournament at Lord's, starting next May, and Stanford's mooted involvement in the England Premier League when that begins in 2010.

For the moment, though, all plans are on hold until Standford makes an announcement next month - and the uncertainty has been enough for at least one county chief, Hampshire's Rod Bransgrove, to accuse the Board of having made "flaky deals with flaky people."