We heard the latest news about two of West Indies All-Rounders Dwayne Bravo, and Kieron Pollard refusing to accept the one-year central contract offered by WICB.

Of course, we all have to put food on the table, but “come on” isn’t US$80,000 plus match fees enough to survive in the Caribbean. Yes, these are international players who can gain more money playing elsewhere, but does it have an influence on some of New York’s talented youngsters?

Rumor is that a few of New York’s talented youngsters are opting to jump from club to club where they can gain monetary incentives for their cricketing duties.  Bear in mind that these are not contractual agreements between the clubs and players, but money given to players at the end of the match. Sometimes a few sponsors and promoters stage weekend cricket tournaments in which teams compete for “bragging rights” and monetary incentives.

This is done to promote the sport of cricket in the US. Really?

Many youngsters in New York are juggling school, part-time jobs, and cricket at the time, but we all know its fair to say that US cricketers are far from gaining yearly monetary contracts.  Many claim that USACA and the different regions find it very challenging to stage annual national tournaments.

Yes, we all know that many of the experienced players are known to play cricket for money, but should young cricketers follow in the same foot steps?