St. John's (Antigua), Dec 5 (IANS/CMC): The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has launched an appeal to regional broadcasters to try and secure the TV broadcast rights for the current Test and One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand.

WICB said it is making the call because fans have been complaining that they are disheartened since they are not able to see the West Indies team play in New Zealand.

WICB said in a statement that when the Caribbean side play at home, a deal with TAJ TV ensures that the TV broadcast is provided to the Caribbean Media Corporation's (CMC) free-to-air partners around the region.

“From the responses, there are legions of fans who are desirous of viewing the matches and that represents obvious interest and demand. Through its broadcast rights deal with TAJ TV, the WICB has played a major role in ensuring that when the West Indies play at home the TV broadcast is provided to CMC free-to-air partner stations so that fans can view the matches live,” the WICB statement read.

However, the board says it does not own the broadcast rights for the current series and is hoping TV companies would intervene.

“Contrary to some misinformation, the WICB does not own or control the broadcast rights for the West Indies vs New Zealand series or any series played outside the region. The WICB looks forward to cricket fans being able to view the matches on TV with the favourable consideration and intervention of TV companies.”

The first of three Tests between the West Indies and New Zealand is currently on in Dunedin. The two sides will also play five ODI matches and two T20 games.