The North West Issue Further Clarification on First Class Cricketers

The North West Cricket Union have clarified the ruling on first-class players being allowed to play in NW cricket.

Ardmore had been exploring the possibility of signing Niall O’Brien in addition to an overseas player.

However the North West have ruled this out, citing rule 14.19 (see below) which is quite clear in preventing his signing.

There are exemptions, such as matches for Ireland in the InterContinental Cup, and domestic first-class matches.

Players such as Boyd Rankin and William Porterfield could return to play for Bready and Donemana/Killyclooney respectively, but wouldn’t be allowed to play for any other NW club.

The Union allowed Graeme McCarter to play for Coleraine in their title winning campaign in 2015, despite his first-class games with Gloucestershire – however, this was an oversight at the time.

14.19 Clubs may normally register only one player with ‘First Class’ experience. In certain circumstances clubs will be allowed to play an extra player with ‘First Class’ experience subject to that player having graduated through the club he is registered for. Clubs will be limited to a maximum of two ‘First Class’ players that shall include the current overseas player if he has ‘First Class’ experience. Players must be registered within the usual guidelines. The COC shall be the sole judge as to if a player is eligible.

The following conditions shall apply:-
a. The 2nd ‘First Class’ player shall be ineligible to play in NWCU Cup competitions
b. The 2nd ‘First Class’ player shall be ineligible to play in Play-Off games
c. ‘First Class’ games played for Ireland or for an Interprovincial team shall not be included when making a decision as to if a player is ‘First Class

For further clarification on the rules, please see HERE