Barbadian Ryan Hinds, who was a part of the West Indies victorious test team against England, heads a list of overseas-based professionals contracted to play in this year's Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Semi-Pro League.

Hinds will turn out for Trelawny Buccaneers when they host defending champions St Catherine Saints in Saturday's opening round of matches. Hinds said he was looking forward to helping Jamaica's cricket, and make it clear he has intentions on claiming the $1-million payday for the Buccaneers.

Rawle Lewis and Andre Fletcher of the Windward Islands will turn out for Kingston Tigers and Westmoreland Wanderers, respectively. Kurt Wilkinson, another Bajan, will play for the promoted Hanover Dolphins while Runako Morton, the third player to score over 1,000 runs in regional cricket this season, will suit up for Manchester Lions.

victorious

Apart from the regional pros, five members of Jamaica's victorious regional first-class winning team, Tamar Lambert, Danza Hyatt, Odean Brown, Gavin Wallace and Carlton Baugh, are contracted by the JCA and will be paid a retainer to remain on the island.

Players in the league will also be paid based on their seniority, which will see them placed in five categories. The highest category will include players who have taken part in 25 Test matches or 100 one-day internationals, the lowest will consist of schoolboy cricketers.

Eight teams, Melbourne Kangaroos, Kingston Tigers, Hanover Dolphins, Manchester Lions, Trelawny Buccaneers, St Catherine Saints, St Elizabeth Warriors and Westmoreland Wanderers, are set to contest the league, which is offering $1 million to the winner based on a league-format basis. The runners-up are set to receive $400,000.

At yesterday's launch, it was also announced that fans would benefit from giveaways at the matches. President of the JCA, Paul Campbell, who commended Trelawny for their improvement last year, made a similar request of other clubs.

"We are asking clubs to raise your standards, it's not just the standard on the field, but the standard right across the board, making sure all aspect of this Semi-Pro League improve and are maintained," said Campbell.