The criteria for any player to be selected for the national team squad are based on following attributes and eligibility:
1. Eligibility: Perhaps the most important factor. Listed are the criteria by ICC:
A. Core Nationality Criteria
1. A national of the country (as defined by the country);or
2. Born in the country; or
3. Resident in the country for at least 183 days in each of the immediately preceding seven years; or
4. Resident in the country for at least 183 days in each of the immediately preceding four years (some restrictions for Associates and Affiliates detailed below).
B. For Associate and Affiliate Members, a player must also meet at least one of the following development criteria;
5. Played 50% of games in national / domestic competition of the country in any three of the five preceding years
6. Spent a cumulative total of 100 days over the preceding five years doing cricket work in the country
7. Represented that country at Under 19 level or above in the past (in an ICC sanctioned match), either under previous ICC rules (i.e. prior to Annual Conference 2006) or where the current ICC development criteria had applied
8. Done enough to convince the Chairman of ICC Cricket Committee that he has genuine commitment to the development of cricket in that country (i.e. special dispensation of development criteria granted, upon application)
9. Associate and Affiliate Members are limited to a maximum of two players who qualify under A4 in any team (i.e. those entitled to bat and bowl)
2. Skill and Talent: Previous experiences have shown that the level of cricket being played in European championships is much higher compared with Finnish leagues. Playing on the coconut mats and gravel pitches can be misleading for both batsmen and bowlers. Batting on the grass grounds, which are much bigger in size, where sometimes you don’t get value for the shot can be disappointing. This calls for better concentration from the batsmen. Similarly for the bowlers, they have to be more persistent with their line and length as they will come up against more technically correct players.
3. Performances: Performance in the league is paramount. While it is easier to dismiss the runs scored and wicket taken by bringing up the playing conditions, these runs would still need to be scored and the wickets have to be taken.
4. Fitness: Playing on gravel and small grounds has indirectly resulted in poor fitness of many of the players in Finland. For European competitions players are expected to play five 50-overs games in 6 days. This implies that fitness is critical. The fitness of the players is their own concern, although fitness test (bleep test) is carried out by FCA throughout the year. Players in the national team are expected a score of 9 or above in bleep test.
5. Strength: Playing on bigger grounds would need strength. As a batsman sometimes you would require to clear the field. As a bowler you might need to bowl against the breeze/wind. As a fielder you would have to fire a quick and accurate throw from outfield to the stumps. These all require strength and gymwork is essential.
6. Commitment: Talent and skills are not enough!!! Players in the squad competing for the places would have to show more commitment for training sessions (year around), training camps (about 3-4 times a year) and be readily available for any FCA related activities (junior training, fund raising etc.). Players have to realise that the inter squad differences aren’t a lot, hence sometimes commitment can win over talent!!
7. Discipline: While donning the colours of Finland and FCA, players are expected to behave in a certain manner. This includes adhering to the team rules for a competition, supporting your team mates on and off the field, respect for the coaches, officials and players, no dissent in public over any matter, no alcohol or drug abuse etc. While enjoying cricket, players should realise that participating in competitions is a serious matter and they are not on a holiday!!! Any player breaking these rules will be barred from any further selections for national team.
The above is for any cricketer in Finland to judge for himself/herself whether they are eligible for selection to the Finnish national team. This also shows the amount of work required by the players in order to be considered for the national team.
The national team hierarchy is following:
FCA chairman: Andrew Armitage
National Team head coach: Yasir Abdul Quadir
Support Coach: Kari Turunen and Julian Roach
Selectors: Andrew, Yasir and Kari
The captains after the toss. (Photo: J.Schabel)
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