The 9th annual Player Induction forum was held on 12 October via Zoom due to the alert level restrictions affecting New Zealand at present. Similar to the summer gone, conforming to Covid restrictions and the impact it has on our game will be part and parcel of the upcoming season our new members will embark on.   

Fourteen newly contracted men from across the six Major Associations were involved with a range of discussions on the professional cricket environment that lies ahead of them.  Entering that environment is an exciting time for players but we also know that it comes with a range of expectations and commitments. The primary objective with the induction forum is to ensure that players understand the services offered by, and the role of the NZCPA, that will support them through and beyond their playing career.  
 
Professional sport creates an ecosystem which can be challenging for many players. Providing them with skills to cope, manage and plan their life in and around their cricket career is more important than ever and the Player Induction Forum is the first step on this path.  For many, this is the first opportunity for them to meet and interact with NZCPA staff and this initial interaction has transformed the engagement we have with players early in their career. It is extremely successful tool in assisting players to transition into the professional cricket environment. 
 
Topics discussed over the forum were: 

• Introduction to the NZCPA  
• Personal Development Programme  
• Life as a professional cricketer  
• Anti-Corruption
• Player payments and the contracting process  

Developing a relationship with newly contracted players is important to their successful development both as an individual and as a cricketer. Our newest members left the forum secure in the knowledge that the NZCPA is a club they are now part of for life.  
 
Newly Contracted Players 2021/22  
Auckland             Adithya Ashok, Cole Briggs, Matthew Gibson, Ryan Harrison
Canterbury         Harry Chamberlain, William O’Rourke
CD                          Joey Field 
ND                          ​Kristian Clarke, Freddy Walker
Otago                   Jake Gibson, Angus McKenzie, Todd Muller
Wellington          Luke Georgeson, Callum McLachlan