West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is not at all a fussy man. He is as expressive in his speech as he is with his strokeplay. HT caught up with the talismanic all-rounder, who is representing Trinidad & Tobago in the inaugural Champions League, on Friday.

Your thoughts on the contract issue that is corroding cricket in the Caribbean? It's disappointing. I am personally very sad about what is happening in our country. The Champions Trophy was probably an all-time low. There is still some time on our hands and, hopefully, the two parties will get together and solve the problem. We miss playing for the West Indies.

We know we have got talent and ability in the West Indies but that's not all. I think we have got a new CEO now. So, hopefully, there will be a new system, a new thinking process and let's hope everything gets sorted.

You have the experience of playing the IPL. How important is the Champions League? To be able to play alongside my brother is the best thing about this tournament. This is the first time that both Darren (Bravo) and I will play together for Trinidad & Tobago. He is younger than me and I have always been waiting for that day when we could play at a big stage together. My dream is to represent the West Indies together. So, I am really looking forward to this tournament.

How are the others in the side treating this tournament? I can say every player is eager to perform well. They understand the importance of this tournament, since all of them are hoping to bag their first IPL contracts. It's very important to perform well in India, and they understand it very well?

With the kind of money on offer, what will you choose: country or club? Well, I have no plans to go freelance. My aim is to play Test cricket for the West Indies. But if there is a good offer, I might always take that up but my country is first priority. I want people to remember me as a good player for the West Indies and not for any club.

What are the prospects of tournaments like the Champions League? The prospects are immense. There are many good cricketers who fail to represent their country, it's a good opportunity for them to play club cricket at the international level.