Counties to introduce year-long contracts

English counties are expected to introduce 12-month contracts as soon as possible as a result of the emergence of the Indian Cricket League and the Indian Premier League.

Most counties only secure players for the six months of the English summer, leaving them free to obtain other employment in the off-season. It was such a situation that meant the counties were unable to prevent players such as Darren Maddy and Vikram Solanki signing for the ICL.

The counties are believed to have been concerned at the impact that tournaments such as the ICL and IPL might have on their playing staff going forward. By signing players to year-long contracts, "no objection certificates" (NOCs) will be needed before they would be able to participate in any other official event.

Despite speculation that the IPL might sign English players before it launches in April, it would need the counties holding their registrations to give them NOCs and that is highly unlikely to happen.