Cricket

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has raised concerns over reports of several cricket boards failing to pay players their prize money in full for their participation in the recent men's T20 World Cup. The WCA has received reports of threats and intimidation against players who have raised concerns about unpaid dues.According to ESPNcricinfo, players from five of the 20 participating teams, including eight Associate Members of the ICC, have not received their payments. The WCA has expressed its disappointment and urged the ICC to take appropriate action against boards that fail to fulfill their obligations."We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men's T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments," said Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive.The WCA has also announced the establishment of a Global Player Hardship Fund to support international players in need who are not covered by existing domestic support frameworks. The fund will be governed by an oversight group of experts and players' association representatives.Meanwhile, Heath Mills and Sana Mir have been reappointed as executive chair and independent director of the WCA, respectively. The WCA board met in Singapore this week for its annual general meeting, where these decisions were made.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) is taking steps to address the increasingly fragmented and congested cricket calendar. However, the WCA lacks influence over India, which has a players' association solely to comply with the Supreme Court's directive. The Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA) is not a member of the WCA.Currently, the future of cricket lies in the hands of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI's financial dominance and influence over Associate Members have given it significant power. India generates the most revenue and dictates the terms of the game.The WCA's review group includes Sanjog Gupta, a representative from Disney Star, the channel that has transformed cricket's landscape. India's dominance stems from its large audience, lucrative television market, and talented players.The WCA's survey reveals that 84% of players support specific windows for domestic franchise leagues and international cricket to coexist. This idea was initially proposed by India but was rejected. The WCA is exploring areas for change, including scheduling, economic disparity, and player employment.However, the BCCI has historically viewed players' associations as trade unions that need to be controlled. Indian players lack an organized platform to voice their concerns, leaving it to a few top players who prioritize their individual interests. Former players also hesitate to criticize the BCCI for fear of losing post-retirement opportunities.The WCA's success depends on the ego-boosting and esteem-pandering of one individual. While this approach has worked in other fields, it remains to be seen if it will be effective in cricket.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has initiated a comprehensive review of the global cricket structure, aiming to address the increasingly fragmented and congested calendar. The review is driven by players' concerns and seeks to find solutions to the challenges facing the sport.The WCA, formerly known as FICA, has expressed frustration with the lack of a coherent structure that allows international cricket and domestic leagues to coexist harmoniously. The review will examine three key areas:1. Scheduling Model: The current scheduling model is deemed "broken and unsustainable," forcing players to choose between representing their countries and maximizing their earning potential. The review will explore alternative scheduling options that provide clarity and balance.2. Economic Disparity: The growing economic disparity between cricket boards is a concern, with a few wealthy boards funding the majority of the game. The review will investigate ways to distribute revenue more equitably and support the development of smaller cricket nations.3. Player Employment and Contracts: The lack of a clear global calendar makes it difficult to regulate player contracts and employment transnationally. The review will seek to establish guidelines and standards to ensure fairness and transparency.The review will be led by a six-member group headed by former Australian Cricketers' Association chief Paul Marsh. The group includes former Pakistan captain Sana Mir, former FICA chief Tony Irish, former ECB CEO Tom Harrison, and Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star.The group will consult with various stakeholders, including players, administrators, and franchise owners, before presenting recommendations to the WCA board and the wider cricket community. The aim is to produce recommendations by the end of the year, although this is not a strict deadline.The WCA represents players from 16 different member associations, including Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. The BCCI and PCB are the only major Full Members without representation in the WCA, as they do not have active player associations.The WCA believes that change is essential to create clarity and value for players, boards, and fans. The review is a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing cricket and shaping its future.

The Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) has undergone a significant rebranding, transforming into the World Cricketers' Association (WCA). This decision was announced following a board meeting and the organization's 25th anniversary celebration in New York, coinciding with the ongoing Men's T20 World Cup 2024.The WCA has also established the prestigious Tim May Medal, named after the former Australian offspinner who played a pivotal role in the development of the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) and later became the first full-time CEO of FICA in 2005. This medal will be bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the players' association movement in cricket.Tim May and Richard Bevan were honored as the inaugural recipients of the Tim May Medal. Bevan served as the CEO of the Professional Cricketers' Association, the player union for English cricketers, from 2003 to 2007."In an era where collective representation is paramount, the World Cricketers' Association stands as a beacon of unity for players worldwide," said WCA CEO Tom Moffat. "The vast majority of the world's top male and female cricketers are now affiliated with the WCA, demonstrating the unwavering commitment to player representation amidst the evolving landscape of the game."The name change to the World Cricketers' Association reflects the organization's global reach and its unwavering commitment to representing players at the highest level."As we embark on a new chapter, we acknowledge the legacy of those who have shaped FICA's journey," Moffat added. "We honor their contributions and look forward to building upon their foundation, ensuring that the voices of players continue to be heard and their interests are protected."