JAMAICA Cricket Association (JCA) president Paul Campbell says the cash-strapped local body is unable to offer central retainer contracts to its players to match the recent move by Caribbean rivals Barbados.

Just over a week ago, head of Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Joel Garner had announced that 15 players have been offered one-year contracts, to become the first territory in the region to undertake that process.

The players will be required to be available during the contract period and the BCA will also try to assist in their personal development and expose them to mental and physical coaching.

When contacted by the Sunday Observer last week, Campbell, while acknowledging the importance of contracting players, lamented the fact that the association is facing harsh economic times.

“Jamaica is not in a position financially to implement that programme at this time. It is something I consider to be important but at this time we are financially stretched.

“I do believe it is the right direction and it is in sync with the West Indies Cricket Board’s plans and programmes to have retained players at the territorial level like what Barbados have done,” he said.

Campbell explained that of higher priority is the JCA’s plan to revamp the sport at all levels across the island.

“We are not currently in the market to seek sponsorship for such a move. We are restructuring our cricket and that (offering contracts) is not high on the priority list at this time. The restructuring we are doing has to do with placing emphasis on standards of play and that is much higher on our list. Having retainers is something that would enhance the development of the cricketers but we are unable to underwrite those costs at this time,” the local cricket boss said.

The JCA, which came under the spotlight late last year after news broke of an incomplete audited financial report, has been undergoing a restructuring exercise which has resulted in the appointment of Augustine ‘Gus’ Logie as national coach.

The local Board also recently announced a change in the organisation of the local club competition, which is likely to attract sponsors through the renewed emphasis being placed on Twenty20 cricket.