The recent calls by a few for the re-introduction of the Inter-Pro series and the discussions of both an Ulster League and possibly an All Ireland league shows that there a certain amount of realisation that there is a need to change to progress. I would welcome anyone who has an opinion to join in this debate because we want Ireland to succeed in World cricket and we all need to play our part.

One of the main frustrations for a lot of club cricketers is the fact that there is nowhere for their talents to be showcased once you reach a certain age. Now I am not going to be drawn into a debate regarding selection of young players because it is self evident that the younger the player gets an opportunity to test himself at a level then his chances of meeting the standard is dramatically increased. However you can understand a club player getting frustrated when they see players getting capped at Senior International level because of performances at U17 and U19 level when they have done next to nothing in club cricket. Many of these young cricketers have undoubtedly got ability but they haven't translated that into consistent performances for their club.

Yet when Inter Pro teams are picked by individuals on the forums these young players are always selected because no-one wants to jeopardise their International careers. But would you genuinely field a different team if you wanted to actually win the competition? I would, but then I'm not a selector! Therein lays the problem with Inter-Pros, namely what is your selection policy?

If it is an U19 or an U23 competition then selection is easy. You pick the very best team available under the age restriction. If it is some sort of quasi underage competition then there is no doubt that young players would benefit from some older players who in turn could raise the standard. However what motivation would those older players have in playing? If they aren't going to be selected for Ireland then quite simply why should they bother?

If Inter-Pros are going to work then I believe it must be best versus best, but there is no way it is going to happen. The same problems that dogged the competition a decade ago are still there. For it to be a legitimate competition three things must happen:

1. Winning it must mean something.
2. All participants have a genuine opportunity to represent Ireland.
3. Regional selectors have the courage to pick the best team even if it means leaving out an International if they think there is a better option.

I genuinely have doubts that there is any format that could be produced where all of those things will happen. It is my belief that there will need to be sacrifices made by everyone to reintroduce the Inter-Pros. Not only is the International fixture book full but clubs are now competing in 5 or more different competitions. Bearing in mind the weather we have in Ireland with rearrangements the pressure on the average club cricketer is stretched to breaking point. Therefore to find a free weekend or two to play Inter-Pros means the clubs must ditch a competition to do so. Will that happen?

There have also got to be questions asked about the need to play the competition over a weekend. One of the great strengths of the old Guinness Cup was the fact the competition was spread over the season. Players who maybe were in poor form early on and weren't selected still had an opportunity to play themselves into contention for an Inter-Pro place and thus an International place. One Bank Holiday weekend early in the calender only gives you a snapshot in time of the best players not those who might prove themselves over a season. In other words if you didn't make it in the weekend version of the competition then that was you for another year. I'm not sure that works either. It is important to keep club cricketers committed and motivated for the entire season.

For Inter-Pros to be resurrected then it must have the approval and commitment of the National Coach. It will be his call who from the full squad plays in the competition or not. If there is more who do not play than play, does it again call into question their whole credibility? Without central contracts in place then there is no way amateurs can be expected to play a full International season and Inter-Pros as well.

If Inter-Pros are to happen and to have a long term future then all of these questions must be answered and done so to the satisfaction of the National coach and the rank and file club cricketer. There must be a commitment from all concerned to play in it and commit to it. We cannot go back to the late cry-offs because of a ‘twinge in my hamstring/calf/groin/ knee/shoulder/elbow' etc. etc. I desperately hope I'm wrong but I can't see it happening.