CRICKET:THE CRICKET Ireland selectors are to discuss the inclusion of Niall O'Brien in the squad they submit to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on January 29th for the upcoming tour to Kenya after the wicket-keeper was yesterday signed to play in the new Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Twenty20 competition.
O’Brien reached a price of €62,000 before being bought at the auction by the Khulna Royal Bengals, €23,200 above his base price figure of €38,800.
Based on the Indian Premier League model, if on a much smaller scale financially, the money goes to the player, with O’Brien set to earn over €20,000 a week for the three-week duration of the six-team competition.
The BPL gets under way on February 9th, the day Ireland are due to depart to Kenya for a tour that includes a four-day Intercontinental Cup game, two World Cup qualifiers and three T20 games against the African nation.
Ahead of signing a new contract with Cricket Ireland last week, O’Brien had been in discussions with them about participating in the BPL, while also travelling to Kenya for the two World Cup qualifiers on February 18th and 20th.
Under ICC rules on releasing players, those two games are mandatory, but the stance of national coach Phil Simmons and his fellow selectors is that players should be available for all the games on the tour.
Speaking last night to The Irish Times, Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom reiterated that stance, although he pointed out that discussions will continue up until January 29th.
“The selectors are going to be discussing the issue over the next eight to 10 days before we have to submit the squad,” said Deutrom.
“I know that Phil Simmons had made it abundantly clear to the players that he wanted all of them available for all sections of the tour that was coming up and it’s a fact that all other players adhered to. All of the other players had also elected not to go forward for the Bangladesh Premier League on that premise.
“Obviously Niall signed his contract as well, so we’re reviewing that now and we’ll liaise with his agent on that particular score.”
For his part, O’Brien believes the opportunity to progress his career in the BPL is one he can’t turn down.
“It’s just a fantastic opportunity,” said the 30-year-old Northants player yesterday. “Hopefully we can find some common ground. I understand that Cricket Ireland want me available for all the matches, but I think everybody in Cricket Ireland will appreciate what an opportunity this is.
“It’s not a financial decision, it’s a cricket opportunity that I’m really excited about, the possibilities of playing and making a name for myself over there.”
