CLL losing home grown talent

Bob Dearden, the CLL under-18s manager, has accused the league’s management committee of a “cop out” over a proposed rule change.

They are proposing home-produced players like Steven Cheetham, Chris Schofield and Tom Hardman, who go on to play county cricket, can still turn out for their clubs, but only until until the age of 23.

Dearden pointed out that Lancashire and England’s James Anderson is still permitted to play for Burnley, where he learned his craft, while other leagues also allow county players to return to their roots.

“We allow overseas amateur and ‘shamateurs’ to play in our league, but not our own lads. I think the new rule is a cop out,” said Dearden.