The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have named 12 players on their first-ever central contract roster, marking the beginning of a new chapter in cricket in the country becoming professional.

The ECB announced plans of introducing professional deals back in November and details were Wednesday revealed during a press conference at the ICC Academy.

Spinners Imran Haider, Qader Ahmed, all-rounders Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Shahzad and batsmen Mohammed Qasim, Mohammed Usman, Rameez Shahzad and Ghulam Shabbir have been given two-year full-time contracts.

UAE captain and all-rounder Amjad Javed, spinner Ahmed Raza, pacer Mohammed Naveed and veteran batsman Shaiman Anwar, who are all on their company’s visas, are the four players on a one-year part-time deal.

The dozen were carefully chosen with the ECB selection committee, led by Waleed Bukhatir, taking into consideration performances in domestic and national games, fitness, dedication and attendance.

“It wasn’t an easy task. Cricket is growing and we have a larger pool of players. This is just the start. I’m sure this will help UAE cricket going forward,” said Bukhatir.

“We hope with this programme that players will develop and take them to further heights. This is a long-awaited and exciting step in Emirates Cricket’s journey to field a full-time professional team.”

Former coach Aaqib Javed had been crying out for the ECB to offer contracts since the team qualified for the 2015 World Cup.

And with that now in place, Bukhatir has no doubt the players, who will train at the ICC Academy regularly, will develop their skills and knowledge significantly.

“Most definitely, this will help cricket progress,” he said. “When it’s a hobby, you only have the opportunity to play two or three hours per week. But when it becomes more than that, you need to give more time over the week.

“These contracts will make a big difference because it means they are on our programme and we can start pre-planning for future tours which is very important. Not just for them but also their development.

“We definitely expect that the players will be more responsible now than they were and they are completely dedicated to the Emirates Cricket Board.”