Cricket:Ireland has awarded six full-time contracts to home-based players, while giving assistance for county stars. Trent Johnston, Alex Cusack, Andre Botha, Kevin O'Brien, John Mooney and Paul Stirling will each be given the backing to allow them to focus on training and preparations for next year's World Cup.
The funding for what is the boldest initiative by any of the non-Test playing countries will be supplied by sponsors RSA Insurance, the Irish and British governments in the form of Sports Council funding and increased revenue from the International Cricket Council following World Cup qualification.
In addition to the six ‘A’ contracts, three players employed by English county sides - William Porterfield, Niall O’Brien and Boyd Rankin - and schoolteacher Andrew White will receive support through ‘B’ contracts.
Category ‘C’ will see the remaining players all vie for the other five places on offer ahead of the World Cup.
It is a big step for a country who only 12 months ago were able to introduce their first central contracts to Johnston and Cusack.
Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said: “We are delighted to be able to increase the number of our contracted players from two to six.
“Together with our county-contracted players, that brings to 10 the number of Irish cricketers playing and training on a professional basis.”
Ireland coach Phil Simmons added: “We all saw just how much Trent and Alex improved last year with being able to commit all their focus to full-time cricket.
“It gives the players peace and security, and lets them concentrate their efforts. It’s another step forward for Irish cricket, and shows just how serious we are in our intentions.
“It’ll stand us in good stead as we prepare for the next intensive 15 months of cricket in the lead-up to the World Cup.”