Albert Einstein said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.”Last week’s article sparked a healthy debate as to why or why not the national cricketers should be compensated for being chosen to represent their country in the upcoming tour and beyond.I may not be considered an expert in my personal views for the revival of our cricket, but I have been to the cricket World Cup, lived it, and know what it takes to get Bermuda cricket back from the dead, and so that has to count for something.Many readers took great offence to my statement that our cricketers should get paid. Firstly, let me make it clear that I believe that all national athletes should receive some form of compensation for the amount of time and effort that they put into their sport.Yes, it is highly unlikely to happen and a bit unrealistic for those sports not named as one of our national sports, but my wishlist regardless. Therefore, I still feel it is vital and not unrealistic for our cricketers to receive compensation.What I do not agree with is having an open-door policy to train with the national squad. This in and of itself makes the programme seem unprofessional. To simply select a large number of players to train, knowing that more than half have no realistic chance of making the squad is pointless. I would rather see a squad of 20 quality players who could all have a genuine chance of making the team.It is a waste of the national coach’s time to teach the basics and try to develop a player that is nowhere ready for that level of cricket. It just doesn’t make sense but we have been doing it for years, taking time away from those players that would benefit from the extra batting or bowling.Yes there are some fringe players who may deserve a chance, but when talking about six months prior to a tournament it is good judgment to focus time and effort on those who will be or could definitely make your final team.These players are the ones that deserve to be compensated. My argument stands that we must remember who the product is, and it is ludicrous to have a great admin facility, fully staffed with a CEO, marketing manager, and all other full-time staff at the Bermuda Cricket Board if the players are not held in the same high esteem.Without the product there would be no need for a full time cricket board and with the funding that we have been given over the past 10 years we should have long become at least semi-professional, and mark my words we would not be on the verge of the demise of our national sport.The players are the ticket to funding, so if the players perform the board will receive funding, and if the players do not perform then the board will lose funding.My question is, are the CEO, the coach, and the secretary more important to cricket then the players? No they are not. Together they are equally important to run a productive, efficient, successful programme. In order for us to go places as a cricketing nation we must show the players how important and valuable they are to the viability of the Bermuda Cricket Board. We do not have to spoil them, but at least show them some appreciation. Some local clubs show more appreciation for their players then our local national body.Bailey’s Bay for example secured former May 24 winner, Larry Marshall Jr as their fitness coach, thus showing the players that the club is serious about ensuring that the players are fit and ready to step their game up to another level.Let’s get away from the old way of thinking, namely that players should simply be dedicated, and passionate about the game and that should be enough. If you look outside your window at work today you will see how different Bermuda is today from 10 years ago. Things have changed, times have changed, and therefore our way of thinking must change. We cannot be stuck in the mindset and attitude of the yesteryear or we will get left behind, and technically we have already fallen behind.Arnold Manders and Stephen Outerbridge, I applaud you in your efforts to revamp things and get the team back training and focused. I challenge and encourage the Board to step up to the plate and be as professional as possible.Please be proactive and not reactive. Let’s work together and help one another in our fight to get back where we should be, and above all let’s share the wealth.