Amateur status had a special meaning in English cricket. The amateur in this context was not merely someone who played cricket in his spare time but a particular type of first-class cricketer who existed officially until 1962, when the distinction between amateurs and professionals was abolished and all first-class players became nominally professional. Contents 1 Distinctions between amateur and professional status 2 Beginnings of amateurism (17th century) 3 18th century 4 Gentlemen v Players 5 19th century 6 Abolition of amateurism 7 Notes 8 Bibliography 9 Further reading Distinctions between amateur and professional status On the face of it, the distinctions between amateurs and professionals in first-class cricket were their availability and their means of remuneration. The professional cricketer received a wage from his county club or, if he went on a tour, a contracted fee paid by the tour organiser. In both cases, there was...