The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday unveiled a new company Cricket Guy Inc. (CGI) which will now undertake the task of advancing the development of the current and future generation of West Indies cricketers in the new franchise based system to be undertaken by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
The WICB has mandated its six territorial boards to form companies to run the new franchise which will soon be created.
The brief press conference, which was held at the Everest Cricket Club pavilion, was attended by cricketers, executives of the GCB, members of the respective county boards, coaches, managers and stakeholders among others who were keen on having a better understanding of the core principles of the new franchise system birthed by the WICB.
GCB Marketing Manager Raj Singh during his deliberation touched on various topics including player contracts; fitness drafts; player selections and finance with respect to players being paid a monthly income from the company CGI.
Singh pointed out that the executive members of the GCB are the individuals who will oversee the affairs of the Guyana franchise which is expected to select 10 mandatory players with five additional players from the Caribbean likely to be drafted into the local side once selected.
The process of the selection of players for the Guyana franchise will rest on the shoulders of GCB Chairman of selectors Rayon Griffith and others.
Singh explained to the players present that this venture is one of importance and should be taken with the highest priority as cricketers will be paid in a work environment scenario, becoming full-time employees to the franchise with pay checks highlighting the necessary deductions being given to them on a monthly basis.
According to Singh, the GCB is expected to receive a monthly sum of USD 45,000 with USD$40,000 compliments of the WICB and the other five thousand US dollars courtesy of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The GCB, he added will be tasked with the responsibility of presenting to the WICB a monthly financial report.
GCB secretary Anand Sanasie said that apart from the franchise venture, the board will still be responsible for Under-15, U17 and U19 competitions as well as female cricket, T20 tournaments and a possible nationwide school competition which is currently on the agenda.
Sanasie pointed out that while the venture is very lucrative for the franchise and players, the repercussions for delinquency and irresponsibility are harsh.
He said that players will have to maintain their fitness which will be tested by the WICB’s fitness scheme where players from across the six territories will constantly be under the microscope to ensure physical requirements are met.
Players can also come under fire for failing to fulfill their contracts with regards to making themselves available for all matches. Speaking on the subject of injury, the GCB duo said that players have a responsibility to ensure that they have medical insurance in the event of a hazardous injury.
The new era of cricket in the Caribbean which is expected to be reservoir of future West Indies players have three levels of retainer contracts; A, B and C with the first carrying a tag of USD$2,500, the second USD$1,700 and third USD$1,250 with players being drafted into the respective classes by virtue of the decision of the franchises.
Another factor that players will have to contend with is that of relocating from one country to another if they are snapped up by one of the neighbouring country’s franchise who might require their services. The WICB will stand the cost of airfare for players who might be faced with the relocation process it was disclosed.
Leeway will also be given to players who might want or are currently in the process of engaging in academics while Sanasie said that the GCB will continue to do all it can to ensure the smooth flow of cricket.
He said that staff members including a full-time head coach, CEO, accountant and other staff will be appointed to the franchise.
Lastly, Singh, in answering the important question regarding the Cricket Administration Bill (CAB) said that he doesn’t believe that the bill once signed into law, will affect the process of the franchise due to it being a privately governed entity from the GCB.
The official drafting of players for the franchise is expected to be on October 1.
