Players nominate for transfer pool

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today that eight state-level cricketers had nominated for a transfer pool that enables them to be contracted by other states.

The transfer pool is part of new player contracting and remuneration guidelines developed by the ACB in consultation with the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA).

The eight players in the transfer pool were not contracted after round one state contracts, which were announced by the ACB earlier this week.

As part of round two, these players could find themselves playing elsewhere if they successfully negotiate contracts (up to $50,000) with state associations before 30 June 2000. The states can contract up to two players in this period.

From 1 July to 30 September 2000, state associations can contract another two players from those left in the transfer pool, or from anywhere else, at the minimum state retainer ($12,500), provided they do not exceed a maximum of 20 contracted players.

The eight players in the transfer pool are:

• right-arm off-spinner John Davison from Victoria;
• left-hand opening batsman Rodney Davison from New South Wales (NSW);
• left-arm fast bowler Michael Harden from South Australia (SA);
• right-arm fast bowler Trent Johnston from NSW;
• right-hand top-order batsman Andrew Sainsbury from NSW;
• all-rounder Scott Thompson from NSW;
• right-hand opening batsman Dominic Thornely from NSW; and
• right-arm fast bowler Tarque Williamson from SA.

ACB Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said the new system benefits players by giving them a second chance at gaining state contracts before the season begins.

"The new transfer pool provides an opportunity for players who miss out on state contracts but believe they are good enough to be offered a contract elsewhere," Mr Speed said.