The WICB on Friday suspended the retainership of the cricketers who boycotted last week's first Test against Bangladesh.

Taking a tough stand against the rebel players, the West Indies Cricket Board in its first written communication to the rebel players since the dispute cropped up, asked them to explain within 10 days why they breached the Rule 6 of their contract.

Captain Chris Gayle and 12 other West Indies cricketers went on strike and boycotted the first Test against Bangladesh over pending contract issues as the WICB struggled to rope in a second string side in the match, which they lost at the hands of the visitors.

The players later also boycotted the official ticket launch of next year's Twenty20 World Cup in St Lucia.

Each letter sent to the players read in accordance with Section 3, Rule 2.1(e) of the Code of Conduct, and they are required to submit a response within 10 days, a WICB release said.

"The WICB suspended (the cricketers) immediately until such time as you indicate in writing to the WICB your resumption of obligations under the contract," the release added.