The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has taken the decision to issue retainer contracts to 15 national players in an unprecedented move aimed at offering job security and professionalising the game here.West Indies fast bowling legend Joel Garner, who heads the BCA, announced that 13 men and two women will receive contracts, which will be made retroactive to December 1.

"Over the last year or so we have been talking about how we can improve our cricket. We think that by having cricketers who are constantly training and in practice should develop a more professional approach," Garner told the Daily Nation here.

"It is not only about a more professional approach but it is also giving those players the opportunity to play cricket non-stop and do all the things that are necessary to bring the skill level to what we would want for cricketers going forward."

Similar to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) system, contracts will be graded on an A, B and C basis and will be awarded to those players on the criteria of skill, attitude, potential for further development and marketability.

Garner did not reveal the value of the respective contracts. The players will be required to make themselves available during the period of contract and will be involved in training while also being developed as coaches.

"Over the last year or so we have been talking about how we can improve our cricket. We think that by having cricketers who are constantly training and in practice should develop a more professional approach," Garner explained.

"It is not only about a more professional approach but it is also giving those players the opportunity to play cricket non-stop and do all the things that are necessary to bring the skill level to what we would want for cricketers going forward."

Players already on WICB central retainer contracts will not be eligible for the BCA contracts.
According to the Nation, national captain Ryan Hinds heads the list of those expected to receive contracts, with fellow West Indies discard Dwayne Smith and Dale Richards also set to be signed.
Fast bowler Tino Best, recently named in a West Indies 30-man training squad for next year's Cricket World Cup, is among the group along with West Indies A batsmen Jonathan Carter and Kraigg Brathwaite.

The names of the women players have not been revealed. - CMC