But while we can’t control the weather we’ll need a better summer if the love and interest in local cricket is not further eroded. Ominously, some clubs have reported younger members throwing in the towel after another season of frustrating postponements and cancellations.
A lively debate was always guaranteed on the topic of pros, both local and overseas. Contrary to what some people would have us believe, new Premier League champions CI are not the only club offering inducements to new members, so the rumour mill has already started on who’s going where in 2013. Salaries, jobs, cars, equipment and ‘perks’ form the commercial side of this tacky business, while the overseas pros are normally hired through agents where sizeable ‘packages’ and commissions are the order of the day. Overseas pros with an Irish passport are currently the Crème de la Crème in the recruitment business because they open the door to an additional recruit and still stay within the rules. Why a club would want to do that is a question only they can answer.
It is incomprehensible to hear the figures being touted for overseas professionals against a background that is far from professional. It is little wonder so many clubs get it wrong so perhaps some of our cricket committees should seek the services of professional recruitment agencies who understand selective employment, employment law, contract law and employment management, even if they are not involved in cricket. They could also look at clubs who appear to have got it right with a long-serving incumbent who delivers both on and off the field.
The current methods and approaches used by clubs appear to be hit and miss and in some cases are potentially high-risk. Also, the same players are being touted around everyone and in some instances it is first-come first-served rather than getting the player that has the right credentials to meet the job spec of the club involved.
And what about the job spec? Is it just a case of a top bowler who can bat or a top batman who can bowl, plus a coaching qualification?
In most cases the answer appears to be ‘yes.’
The old saying that ‘you get what you pay for’ comes quickly to mind!
Next year will also see the introduction of the new Interprovincial Series involving the Northern Cricket Union, the North-West and Leinster. Although the finer details have not been agreed these games will probably be three-day matches home and away played midweek. They will also have a professional structure with managers, coaches and players being paid, presumably funded by the ICC. This could be an important stepping-stone on the long road to test status, but it needs to be managed carefully. If contracted county players, players not likely to be selected for the national team and professionals are to be excluded, will the competition have any popular appeal and will the quality on show be anything better than three development squads? Some people favour the inclusion of two overseas professionals, but surely this is counter productive and will deprive two players in each area of the chance to play at a higher level? The one thing that will not work is window dressing so this competition has to have the right formula or it is dead in the water from the outset.
My own preference is an Irish County Championship to rival the Sam Maguire. It could create a sense of belonging when players proudly represent their county. Tyrone, Derry, Antrim, Down and Dublin come easily to mind with some provision for another county in the Dublin area. Only players eligible to play for Ireland can participate and selection should be based on merit irrespective of age. If we want the best players to play against each other at representative level then we shouldn’t exclude them because of their age! And the hosting club, grounds staff, umpires, managers, coaches, scorers and players should all be paid a match fee!
If we are going to be professional then let’s manage it properly.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
