Otago Cricket are delighted to announce that the first ten SBS Bank Otago Sparks domestic contracts have been offered and accepted, as the 2022/23 squad begins to take shape.

The first round picks were agreed upon by a group led by Steve Martin, GM Performance and the 2022-23 SBS Otago Sparks coach and selectors, and confirmed by NZ Cricket. 

Martin commented that it was great to see so many of last years players back and available for selection. He said that with the recently announced Master Agreement, the opportunity to offer contracts to more players this season can only be a positive. As the 2021/22 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield champions, and the Dream11 Super Smash runners up, having so many of last seasons players contracted was going to be important.

The Head Coach Female Programmes and Pathways Coach will soon be announced, and this role will also be critical for the ongoing development and performance of the team as the female game continues to grow.

Otago welcome two new players to this first round contract group – Gemma Adams and Olivia Gain are the beneficiaries of the expansion in the number of contracts. Both have big futures in the game.

Otago fans will be delighted to see Kate Ebrahim (née Broadmore) on the Sparks contract list again. Her experience and maturity will be an asset especially when key White Ferns are unavailable at time during the season. Caitlin Blakely, Polly Inglis, Emma Black, Sophie Oldershaw and Bella James are all experienced players now and will form the core of the team.

In addition to the 12 contracted players, the SBS Otago Sparks will still rely on their White Ferns, Suzie Bates, Eden Carson and Hayley Jensen, when they are available.

Newly named White Fern, Eden Carson, will be looking to build on a sensational domestic 2021/22 summer. Young gun Carson received a number of awards and accolades and is a key member of the playing group.

Two contract positions remain open following this first announcement. Otago Cricket will submit its final contract offers to NZC and NZCPA in the coming days, with an announcement of the final 12 contracts to follow.

SBS Bank Otago Sparks Contracts (2022/23)

First Round

*Gemma Adams

Emma Black

Caitlin Blakely

Kate Ebrahim

*Olivia Gain

Polly Inglis

Bella James

Felicity Leydon-Davis

Molly Loe

Sophie Oldershaw

NZC Contracts:

1. Suzie Bates - WHITEFERNS Contract
2. Hayley Jensen - WHITEFERNS Contract
3. Eden Carson - WHITEFERNS Contract

*Indicates new contract offer.

*ENDS*

Article added: Wednesday 07 September 2022