Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

Jamaica batsman Andre McCarthy says if chosen to participate in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 it would be a dream come through.

The tournament, which will replace the regional inter-country Caribbean Twenty20, will see McCarthy vying for a place on one of slated six franchise teams.

"I always wanted to play cricket professionally and hopefully if selected the CPL will give me an opportunity so that I can stop work, and go all out and just play cricket," said the 25-year-old.

"Most people tell me that I will get picked, so I am just watching out for next week where hopefully my dreams will come through," he added.

A steady middle-order batsman, who has the ability to up or slow down his game, McCarthy was one of Jamaica's most outstanding players on debut this season.

He was the team's second highest scorer in the regional Super50 tournament, with top individual scores of 88 and 59 in seven matches.

He also played two four-day matches, with 46 in his debut innings being his highest total.

According to McCarthy it is these performances that he believes has allowed him to enter the draft and, if selected, he plans to make the most of the opportunity.

"I always wanted to play for Jamaica and thankfully after one season I was able to make some runs," he said.

"This has allowed people to view me as one for the future and give myself a chance to be in the draft.

"I can't wait for it to take place as if selected I plan to grab the opportunity with both hands."

The draft is scheduled to take place next week Wednesday in Jamaica.

McCarthy has been placed in Pool B, along with several other regional and international first-class players, including fellow young teammates Nkrumah Bonner, Andre McCarthy and Jermaine Blackwood.

Captain Tamar Lambert, Odean Brown, Andrew Richardson, Chadwick Walton are other notable Jamaican players in Pool B.

Pool A will consist primarily of established international players, while Pool C will feature regional Under-23 players. It is understood that Pool B players are slated to earn contracts between US$20,000 (J$1,963,00)and US$70,000 (J$6,870,500).