Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president, Dave Cameron, is expressing delight at the planned benefits for players during the upcoming new-look regional four-day tournament.

The tournament, to be played on a home-and-away basis and is set to bowl off in November, will see the six traditional territorial teams being replaced by six territorial-based franchise teams, similar to that of the two-year-old Caribbean Premier League Twenty20.

The franchises, which will operate independently of the various territorial cricketing bodies, is to commence operations on September 1.

"Exciting times are ahead for West Indies cricket," said Cameron, while delivering the keynote address at Melbourne Cricket Club's annual summer camp closing ceremony last Friday.

"Currently, we have 15 players that are retained by the WICB to play cricket full-time. These include Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo etc.

"Come September 1, however, you are now going to have 105. Fifteen from each territory, for a total 90, plus the 15 at the WICB level."

more effectively

According to Cameron, whose administration announced plans for the new tournament in March, the increase in retained players will allow for players to operate on a full-time basis.

This, he says, should then allow these players to more effectively develop their games, so as to make the West Indies team a stronger unit.

The players, who will be employed on a year-round basis, are expected to be paid salaries between US$16,000 and US$24,000 per year in addition to match appearance fees.

"One of the reasons why we are giving these retainers is because we want to retain our best players to play in our regional competitions," Cameron continued.

each franchise

"This is so that they can pass on information to younger players coming up."

Meanwhile, as it relates to the make up of players for each franchise, Cameron outlined that in the first year it will be a minimum of 10 locals, and in year two, and onwards, a free market system.

"This year, a minimum of 10 players will be from Jamaica, and the other five will be drafted," he said.

"Next year, it will be the best 15 that Jamaica would like to sign."

To be played on a home and away basis the four-day tournament is scheduled to be played before and after the regional Super50 tournament to again be held in Trinidad and Tobago next January.