It comes at a time when CI have allegedly made offers to several top players, including Civil Service North’s outstanding all-rounder Nigel Jones, a newly-appointed Cricket Development Officer. According to “sources” Nobby has accepted and Nigel has declined, but should we be sitting in judgement on what are essentially personal decisions? And in the case of O’Brien should we condemn him for trying to make the most of a short and limited sporting career?
Maybe it is different at the highest level because the amounts are much higher, and perhaps the pressure at local level is not as high in real terms. After all, it is unlikely any local player would turn down $80,000 for three weeks cricket, so why blame O’Brien for doing the same at the higher level? Indeed, it is doubtful any Ireland player would have declined such a lucrative offer, so the Northants player hasn’t exactly ran off with the crown jewels.
O’Brien has been an outstanding Ireland player over the past decade and he remains an integral part of Cricket Ireland’s immediate and medium term future. Some speculation remains on the terms of his Ireland contract terms because it is felt in some quarters that Cricket Ireland should have their players so tightly contracted that these lucrative offers aren’t in the frame, but surely that is wishful thinking? Cricket Ireland can’t compete with the rich Asian franchises any more than local clubs can compete with big spenders CI. It all comes down to the individuals involved and at this stage it appears that O’Brien has put his immediate Ireland career on the line, as he will miss some vital matches. The Ireland squad is a closely-knit community and perhaps the matter was discussed with management, but if not, then National Coach Phil Simmons and the selectors have big decisions to make in the future.
Jeremy Bray has moved to CI and so have a number of other players in recent times, including former New Zealand test cricketer Craig McMillan. The Belmont club has made no secret of their ambitions and rival clubs are divided between open contempt for their chequebook recruitment, and jealousy that they are not as in a financial position to compete. Call it recruitment or poaching, but it has been part and parcel of sport, so let’s not stick the boot in because you can’t compete. No rules have been broken and since local players are not under contract, they are free to make up their own minds.
That said, I have great admiration for players who remain loyal to their home clubs. It is often said that everyone has their price and while this is true in most cases, it is obvious that some of our top local players are not motivated by money. That has to be admired in tough economic times when the security of a golden handshake could go a long way in a family budget. Perhaps it is different for a young player at a junior club looking to step up the ladder, because it is difficult to shine these days if you are not with a strong club. And there again lies another dilemma, as the weaker clubs will always be weaker if they lose their best players to the bigger clubs. But just like money is a temptation, so are the facilities and the opportunities at the stronger clubs and in the tough dog eat dog culture we live in, it will never be anything else.
In the meantime, let each player make his own decision, as every man is his own master. And, next time I meet up with Nobby O’Brien I know who’s buying the drinks!
Clarence Hiles
Editor
