STARS TURN OUT FOR PCA PAST PLAYERS’ DAY Around 100 former county cricketers, who between them have scored almost 489,000 first-class runs and taken more than 2,100 wickets, enjoyed the annual Professional Cricketers’ Association Past Players’ Day at Cheltenham College. The annual event, held this year on the opening day of Gloucestershire’s LV= County Championship match against Leicestershire, brought together former players from across the generations. Roy Booth, the former Yorkshire and Worcestershire wicketkeeper, was the oldest past player present at 88 with Adam Rouse, the former Hampshire and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper, the youngest at 23. The past players spanned more than 60 years from Booth’s debut in 1951 to Rouse’ final appearance for Gloucestershire last season. There were 16 Test players among those who gathered for a sociable day of reminiscing with former team mates and opponents including Mike Watkinson, the former England and Lancashire all- rounder. Watkinson proved a popular choice as lunchtime speaker and he also enjoyed his first PCA Past Players’ Day. ” Having been a player, a coach, a cricket director and now a former player you begin to realise that the PCA operates across a number of levels from supporting and educating the young professional who is making his way in the game, giving him a safety net in case his career doesn’t work out by giving him other skills. ” At the other end of the scale you see some of the older guys who have been out of cricket for a while who might need help whether it’s medical or financial. ” The PCA really cover many bases and the fact that we have got so many ex-players here this year shows that there is a real pleasure and enjoyment in being able to reflect on your careers. ” Reminiscing is an enjoyable part of life but this day is about the same people being in the same room, swapping stories and enjoying the camaraderie of having played the same sport.” George Sharp, the former Northamptonshire wicketkeeper, also attended the Past Players’ Day for the first time having retired from umpiring at the end of last season. ” It’s an excellent day. It’s great to see so many old players who have you played against, some of whom I haven’t seen for 20 years or more,” Sharp said. ” The PCA do a fantastic job for the players through the Professional Cricketers’ Trust for people who fall on hard times they do a wonderful job.” Neil Smith, the former Warwickshire captain, attended the event with his father MJK, the former England captain, and enjoyed meeting fellow former players from different generations. ” I have been three times now and it’s a great day. For the older generation it’s real opportunity to get together and reminisce,” Smith said. ” Everybody knows each other, we have all got that common link and these days are great fun. ” A lot of ex-players will have contributed to the PCA and, thankfully, won’t need help in an emergency. But this event is one way for the PCA to put a bit back and all the past players glean something from it.” Duncan Fearnley, the former Worcestershire batsman and chairman, is also a strong supporter of the Past Players’ Day and believes it is an important part of the county cricket calendar. ” I am a big believer in this sort of event at county level as well. We have all got one thing in common and that is cricket,” Fearnley said. ” It’s wonderful to meet your old colleagues again, those you played against as well as with. Long may it continue. ” The PCA do a fantastic job looking after former players who might have struggled a bit. ” When you look at all the people they have supported over the years you appreciate what a wonderful organisation it is.” Jason Ratcliffe, the assistant chief executive of the PCA, said: “Our fifth and biggest event at Cheltenham was again received very well by all members and autograph hunters alike. ” It’s another chance to spend quality time with past players, hear their news and feedback about what we’re up to and, importantly in some cases, find out about those in real need, who we can help.” {{carousel}} {{ak_sharing}}
