Aussie players fund new club initiative

Australia’s top cricketers have dug deep into their own pockets to fund a new initiative that will narrow the gap between club and first-class cricket.

The Premier Cricket Program will support Australia’s 87 Premier (Grade) Cricket clubs in utilising former or non-contracted domestic cricketers to either play, coach or mentor club sides.

The unprecedented contribution of more than $1 million from Australia’s elite players comes after an increase in estimated income during the 2012-17 Memorandum Of Understanding period, the same period that covers the current Cricket Australia media rights deal.

Clubs can now apply for a $10,000 grant per year for three years to allow current ACA Members (former and current first-class players) to continue to be involved in Premier Cricket.

"Every player who represents a State, Big Bash League or Australian team comes through the Premier Cricket system,” Australia Test captain Michael Clarke said.

“While for some of us the opportunities at the moment to play at club level are limited, having competitive and testing competitions influenced by experienced and knowledgeable players is vital."

The decision to devote the surplus funds in the Player Payment Pool was a unanimous one by Australia’s contracted players, with the Premier Cricket Program the first step in strengthening club cricket around the country.

"As current players, we're passionate about strengthening Premier Cricket and remember the influence that many former first-class players had on our careers as we came through,” said Australia allrounder and ACA Executive member Shane Watson.

“The decision to invest in the Premier Cricket Program is therefore one that's close to home and hopefully a way that we can ensure the generations to come receive the best possible education at club level."

ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson says the funding from the playing group outlines their commitment to the game at club level.

"They want to ensure that Premier Cricket remains the lifeblood of Australian cricket by providing a platform for ACA Members to remain in the game through playing, coaching, talent identification and administrative roles,” Nicholson said.

"The current players strongly believe that former first-class players and those recently delisted possess a wealth of skill, experience and expertise that can be utilised to help strengthen Premier Cricket and narrow the gap between this level and high performance cricket.”