The Sierra Leone Cricket Association will start contracting players in April this year to get cricketers committed and bring more meaning to the game.
Twenty players coming from categories A, B, and C will form part of the process.
Category A covers top senior players who have been able to maintain their place in the men’s and women’s senior sides, while category B brings to the fore Under-19 players; category C takes into account emerging stars.
According to SLCA’s Chairman Francis Trevor Samura, the idea is to get the players fully involved and committed to improving the game of cricket.
“Players who finally meet the threshold will be contracted for a period of six month,” he says.
By having contracted players, teams can ensure a level of consistency in their rosters, allowing for better planning and preparation for matches.
Contracts can provide players with a sense of stability and security, which can lead to greater confidence and better performance on the field.
It can help teams retain their best players, which can be particularly important in the highly competitive world of professional cricket.
Contracts can also provide young and upcoming players with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience at the professional level.
By having a strong roster of contracted players, teams can build a strong brand identity and attract sponsors and fans who want to be associated with successful teams and players.
Contracts can help to professionalize the sport, making it more attractive to investors and other stakeholders who are looking for a well-organized and structured league.
Overall, contracting cricket players can help teams and organizations to build more successful and sustainable cricket programs, while also providing players with greater opportunities and stability in their careers.