Background
Under the current LCU Open Competition Regulations, anyone who has played in a ‘First Class’ match [other than those who are eligible to play for Ireland] in the past 12 months is ineligible to play in Leinster Open Competitions. There was some discussion at the last AGM about the merits or otherwise of continuing with this qualification.
At this point the LCU is interested in getting feedback from clubs and players on the issue. The reason that we are consulting now is that the end of the season is too late to start this process as clubs start looking for overseas players as soon as cricket finishes. While it is unlikely that there would be a decision one way or the other before the Autumn AGM, clubs need to know if this is being considered and to have time to consider their positions
Accordingly, it is proposed to undertake a survey of players, officials and spectators [operating in personal capacity]. Separately the LCU will be seeking the views of and, in due course, the formal positions of clubs. We will report findings before the end of July and depending on the views expressed the Executive Committee may put a formal proposal to the Autumn AGM.
The Issues
Players not eligible to play for Ireland cannot be registered to play in Leinster competitions if they have played ‘First Class’ cricket in the previous 12 months.. The main reasons traditionally given for this are that such players would be too good for the standard of club cricket we play in Leinster, would tend to dominate matches, would tempt clubs to go down the route of bringing in ‘hired guns’ rather than invest in improving facilities, would favour the larger and better off clubs and would not be in the long term interest of the development of Leinster cricket.
Given the changes that are taking place in Irish cricket it is probably time to re-examine these arguments and see if there are benefits to removing the current restrictions.
The Case For The nature of First Class cricket varies massively across the world and is no longer a good guide to the standard and performance of individual players. The current restrictions are arbitrary and serve to reduce the pool of otherwise suitable and available overseas players. Although it is not always the case, it is more likely that First Class cricketers will be full time involved in the sport and have an interest in and the necessary qualifications for coaching. Given the wider selection pool from which to draw overseas players removing restrictions would reduce the overall cost to clubs. The standard of D1 and D2 cricket has greatly improved in recent years and there is no reason to fear that First Class players would dominate the relevant competitions. Finally, the removal of restrictions would bring Leinster into line with the practice in Northern Ireland and would thereby equalise eligibility conditions in the RSA Irish Senior [Bob Kerr] Cup.
The Case Against ‘’First Class’ cricketers are still generally better than the average of the ‘overseas players’ already playing in D1 and D2 and any move to bring in such players reduces the opportunities for domestic cricketers and risks introducing players who are capable of dominating matches and even competitions. It could end up costing all clubs more. Clubs could be tempted to go for a player at the top end of those available from the ‘First Class’ ranks with an inevitable increase in the flow of money out of the domestic game. Clubs would see greater relative benefits in pursuing playing performance over coaching ability. And finally, the competitions have adjusted to the standard of player below the First Class game and there is no pressing reason to make a change.
Feedback
Comments in the form of additional or extended arguments for or against any change in the current restrictions are invited from anyone interested in the issue. Just submit the comments and these will be put up on the website.
A survey [using Facebook / Survey Monkey] is being conducted which takes only a few seconds to respond to. Go to
https://www.facebook.com/cricketleinster/app_127709503932081
The LCU will separately write to clubs seeking their views on whether or not to remove the current restriction and, if so, the restrictions that might be applied e.g. the 12 month rule to apply to recent test players or those who have competed in an ICC [Full Member] ODI / T20.
Current Regulations
1 Eligible Players
1.1 To be eligible to play in a cricket match conducted under the aegis of the Leinster Cricket Union a person must, subject to regulation 1.2, meet one of the following criteria:
be eligible to play international cricket for Ireland under current International Cricket Council [ICC] Rules
[ii] be approved by the Open Competitions Committee to play cricket in Leinster as an Overseas Player in accordance with Regulation 1.3
[iii] be an EU national resident in Ireland, a non-EU national resident in Ireland who is entitled to reside and work in Ireland or a full-time student of a recognised second or third level college in Ireland1,
[iv] be part of a ‘cricket exchange programme’ as approved by the Open Competitions Committee under regulation 1.5.
1.2 A person shall not be eligible to play cricket in a Leinster competition under S1.1 [ii]. [iii] or [iv] if that person has played, within the previous 12 months prior to the receipt of application, in a First Class Match as defined by the ICC or in an overs competition for countries, provinces or regions that would normally participate in First Class Cricket or such other overs competitions as the Open Competitions Committee considers the equivalent of the above.1 Eligible Players