Many of the victorious Champions Trophy squad are in dispute

The secretary of the West Indies Players' Association has resigned in the middle of a row over contracts.

Former batsman Roland Holder was quoted as admitting he was unhappy with the "confrontational" style of the union.

Sixteen players are currently in dispute with the board and may miss a one-day series in Australia in January because of conflicts between sponsors.

"I think we have tended in recent times to go more down the line of a trade union," Holder said.

"And I am not quite certain that is the reason WIPA was formed.

"With trade unionism comes certain issues, certain confrontational approaches at times so I think I am not most comfortable with that approach."

The West Indies Cricket Board is currently involved in arbitration with WIPA to agree contracts for the tour.

Grenadian Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has requested submissions from both sides and has appointed a judge to deliver a report.

A squad of 14, plus four alternative players, was nominated by the selectors a week ago and should finally be confirmed in the next few days.

Many of the players have deals with a telecommunications rival of the WICB's new sponsors and fear losing their image rights.

The VB Series begins on 14 January and also involves the hosts and Pakistan.

Under Dinanath Ramnarine's presidency, WIPA has become more vocal over the last two years, and clashed with the cricket board on several issues.

In March 2003, its members heeded a strike call and forced the postponement of the regional first-class semi-finals by a day before the two bodies agreed a division of sponsors' cash.

It also threatened strikes over pay before the 2002 Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka, and prior to the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.