World Cricketers’ Association calls for overhaul of sport’s structure

LONDON, England (CMC):

THE WORLD Cricketers’ Association (WCA), the global players body in cricket, has recommended several major changes to the way the sport is structured, including a more equitable distribution of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) revenue distribution and a change in the way series and tournaments are scheduled.

The WCA made the suggestions in a report following a six-month review, where it found a plethora of issues with the way the sport was being managed.

The report revealed that 83 per cent of global cricket revenue was currently shared among England, India, and Australia, while two per cent of global cricket revenue was distributed to countries ranked 13 to 108.

Additionally, it highlighted that 11 of the last 13 major ICC events had been won by the same countries.

“Cricket’s financial structure should support global growth and competitive balance, through a centralised Global Growth and Development Fund – to be established, underpinned by pooled rights model applicable only to Core International Cricket, to fund Core International Cricket and other global initiatives,” the report said.

The WCA said ICC revenue distribution should occur within minimum and maximum parameters, while there also needed to be stronger regulation and accountability on how distributed money is spent in all countries.

Moreover, it also claims that players do not receive a fair earning relative to the wealth they generate.

The WCA further suggested that scheduling be revamped to allow international and domestic leagues to thrive instead of competing against each other.

ENSURING FUTURE SURVIVAL

It recommended that these changes be implemented from 2028.

“This will allow international cricket to co-exist with the growing DT20 leagues – rather than compete with them, thereby ensuring its future survival. It will also ensure most of the calendar remains for the market to continue to evolve and innovate,” the report added.

WCA chairman, Heath Mills said the report was necessary at this time and highlighted several issues that were plaguing the sport.

“This process has brought to light an almost game wide appetite for change and a need to address the significant issues with the game’s global structure.

“Whilst there is no silver bullet, the report defines the trends, and major issues facing the sport at global level, along with some recommended solutions, intended to be both aspirational and realistic,” Mills said.

“The players have an interest in the health of the game globally, and we look forward to discussing and debating the report over the coming months.”