Quick question: How are we matching on disk generic players to their real life equivalent, as I have read the attributes of players can be very wrong, left right handedness, birthdate, etc....any "full proof" method of going about this, i would like to tackle the SA domestic squads...
I hope this is what you're asking about and I'm not being totally patronising:
Initials > Birthdays > Stats
If the initials and birthday matches someone in a squad from cricinfo (reliable) or wikipedia (slightly less reliable) then I'll take that as a good indication.
Looking at the stats is a good way to investigate further, if there's any doubt. If they have stats filled out, try and find something that matches if the person's real life stats have updated.
If they both match Cricinfo as a reliable source, Wikipedia as a slightly less reliable source.
Using DBC17 like
@Pat say is a good way.
I'm doing the Indian domestic sides at the moment and I'm just updating names and matching the batting/bowling hand and the bowling type. I have changed some skills but only if a player is not accurately listed in their role (e.g. bowler set as a batsman). However that is for a handful of players that I have seen play in the IPL.
For reference: 20/11/1987 seems to be the 'default' birthday as does 'Australia' for players that have been added. That's where stats help matching to initials. If they have no stats, no birthday then I just leave them I've done everything else.