A new era for Bermuda cricket officially dawned yesterday when ten national team players finally penned their signatures to semi-professional contracts.

The terms of the new deal have been backdated from November last year, with each contracted player receiving a monthly stipend, match fees, a per diem allowance while on tour and performance related bonuses.

Non-contracted squad members or those sent away to cricket academies overseas will receive virtually the same financial package aside from the monthly salary, Bermuda Cricket Board revealed.

And players who are not paid by their employers while away on international duty will have their salary fully covered by the governing body.

Prominent players not included were St. David?s youngsters OJ Pitcher and Delyone Borden who are both away at school in the United States.

BCB officials were yesterday unwilling to divulge how much each player was being paid ? even though the money they are spending will be taken from the $11 million of taxpayers? money handed to them by Government.

When asked whether the public did not have a right to know how their money was being distributed, BCB president Reggie Pearman said the contracts were ?a private agreement between the Board and the players? but that it might be possible to release further details at a later date.

The contracts expire at the end of March and will be renewed only on the recommendation of national coach Gus Logie and the selectors.

The number of contracted players is not set in stone, Pearman added, and could change according to the needs of the team.

Logie has also been given the power to forbid his players taking part in other sports, while they will all be subjected to a strict code of conduct both on and off the field which, if broken, could result in the agreement being torn up.

?We understand that the contracts will be a fluid situation,? he said.

?Both the length of the contract and the number of contracted players will vary as we progress. For example, the Board has three players on educational scholarships (Jekon Edness, Stephen Outerbridge and Stefan Kelly) who currently would not be eligible for a contract, although they would receive a match fee when they played.

?Obviously the Board will be considering the needs of the team for the long-term and the input of the national coach and the national selectors is crucial to the success of this process. I have great confidence that the compensation plan that has been devised will propel Bermuda cricket towards its long-term objectives.

?The ultimate aim of this whole initiative is to ensure that no player who represents Bermuda is in any way financially disadvantaged and I believe we have now got to that point.?

Five of the ten contracted players, who include vice-captain Janeiro Tucker, Dean Minors, Kevin Hurdle, Dwayne Leverock and Irving Romaine, were present at the signing yesterday at the Ministry of Youth and Sport.

Minors admitted being paid to play would only increase the pressure to deliver the goods on the field, particularly in the aftermath of their hugely disappointing tour to the United Arab Emirates.

?There is real pressure on us now, no question,? he said.

?The responsibility for us is great to perform but we are willing to put in the effort that is required. These contracts are also about the future development of cricket in Bermuda. This should not be about us. In four years time we want to qualify for the World Cup again and the contracts are part of the overall strategy.?

Sports Minister Dale Butler said he hoped that the financial incentives now available would encourage future generations to go after a place in the national team.

?It is gratifying to see that the money invested by Government has been widely appropriated in a professional and effective manner,? he said.

?I congratulate the players recognised today. I understand the remuneration also extends to all players that represent their country and I expect this will further encourage any eligible player to strive harder and smarter to pull on the national shirt.?