Absence of Players' Association in India and Pakistan worries FICA in ICC meeting

[MenInG]

KOLKATA: The absence of players' Associations in India and Pakistan is a "big concern" for FICA and the issue was discussed on the first day of the ICC five-day meeting, which began on Sunday.

Formation of a players Association is one of the recommendations made by the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee as the whole idea is to give the cricketers "a voice to raise their concerns" while barring them from forming a "trade union of any sort."

"Unfortunately India and Pakistan do not have a functioning players association. It's definitely a big concern. The Lodha Commission has already said about forming an association. We will speak to them when (will) they form an association. It's up to the players in India," a top official of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations told PTI.

"India is definitely a dominant force in cricket and as a result of number of people are following the sport. ICC consists of the 12 full member countries. India really dominate the decision making in ICC."

That the Indian cricketers enjoy a lot of stardom and are powerful enough to bargain with BCCI on their own is one of the reasons cited for the delay in forming a players' body.

Clarifying that they do not work as agents, the official said: "We are involved in the collective not the individual cricketer's right. We are not individual agents."

The first day's meeting also had women's cricket committee meeting and women's cricket forum. The morning session was attended by India captain Mithali Raj as a special invitee.

"She was here briefly during the meeting. She was asked whether she has encountered any instances of match fixing. She said she hasn't till date," an ICC official said.


https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...big-concern-for-fica/articleshow/63871323.cms

 

[mankuTimma]

No idea about Pakistan but it really doesn’t matter in India as players both International & domestic plus retired ones getting good compensation.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Indian cricketers are too pampered to feel the need of a players’ association.

 

[rhony]

There is already a players association in India. It has a very strong voice and is very infuential. It has one member - Virat Kohli.

 

[cricketindiafan]

So that they can get a cut from players' earnings? Not happening.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Even if India gets a associstion its unlikely to join FICA.

 

[KevinFern]

Even if India gets a associstion its unlikely to join FICA.

This. It has got a whites only feel to it from some of its attitude in the past, though it has got players from non white countries too. Indian association is anyway better off not joining it.

 

[MenInG]

FICA Responds to Reports of an Indian Players' Association

FICA is encouraged by reports that formation of an Indian players' association has been accepted by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), and will be established in the coming months. The existence of a body that can collectively represent the players in India, the world's biggest cricket economy, is an important step forward for the game.

Professional cricket is a short term and precarious career path. Players' associations around the world, in cricket and across sports, work tirelessly to provide services for players, including health, well-being, education and support services that can assist players during their careers and in their transition out of the game at the end of their careers. Players' associations also play a role in ensuring that the players have a voice in important decisions that affect them.

Tony Irish, FICA Executive Chairman, said:

"FICA continues to offer its support to players and authorities in India in the establishment and recognition of a players' association. We, and our member players' associations, are always willing to share our learnings and to assist in establishing best practices for cricket in various countries around the world."

"It is critical that players are involved in the development and governance of any association set up to collectively represent them, in order to ensure its effectiveness. We would welcome a player-established Indian cricketers' association, which meets our membership and minimum standards requirements, into FICA and as part of the global collective of the world’s cricketers."

 

[MenInG]

The BCCI has approved the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA), the body formed as per the board’s new constitution to look after the interest of former players.

The ICA is not affiliated to Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) and is only open to former men and women cricketers, unlike the players’ associations in most countries.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (“BCCI”) hereby formally recognises the Indian Cricketers’ Association (the “ICA”), a non-profit company limited by guarantee incorporated on July 5, 2019 under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, as the official association for ex-cricketers in India,” read an official BCCI notice.

“It is clarified that, until further notice of the BCCI, no entity other than the ICA will be accorded recognition by the BCCI as an association of ex-cricketers,” it added.

The functioning of ICA will be independent of BCCI’s functioning and the association will have to generate its own funds even though the board will provide some initial grants.

Former India cricketers Kapil Dev, Ajit Agarkar and Shantha Rangaswamy are the directors at ICA and will hold their positions until elections are held.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...association/story-3KYHNaEcBTeicypeZyC6lN.html

 

[shah_1]

PCB is the only board not to have players assoication

Recent BCCI approved players assoication, though only for former cricketers but it is a good start by BCCI. We are the only board that doesn't have any PA because PCB can do whatever they want with players without looking at players interest. These CEO and chairman don't matter much compared to the stakes of cricketers playing in the system.


Decisions taken without being consulted and they are voiceless and poorly treated. I'm talking about boards of top 9 ranked test teams

 

[Markhor]

One of the reasons why there's been so much politicking and backstabbing amongst the players in our history. Seniors hang on to their careers well past their prime knowing they've nothing to fall back on.

I mentioned here also after the 2010 spot fixing scandal that a players union was necessary to ensure players have collective bargaining rights and are properly paid, reducing the risk of them covorting with bookmakers and getting involved in corruption.

 

[MenInG]

FICA Board Meets in London
The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) held its Annual Meeting in London this week. The meeting covered a range of global issues common to all professional cricketers around the world. The meeting was chaired by Executive Chairman Tony Irish, attended by the FICA Board, and a number of invited contributors including from the World Payers’ Association and Centre for Sport and Human Rights, and International Rugby Players.

Key Appointments
The FICA Board was pleased to appoint Vikram Solanki for a further term as President and Lisa Sthalekar for a further term as an independent Board Member of FICA.

Commenting on the appointments, FICA Executive Chairman, Tony Irish, said: “Both Lisa and Vikram have contributed significantly to FICA and the global player cause, and will continue to play an important role moving forward. We look forward to their continued involvement.”

Players and ICC Events
The Board discussed the success of the ICC Men’s 50 Over World Cup and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup over the last 12 months, on the back of the players’ compelling performances.

“It is clear that the players are playing an increasingly important role, not only on the field, but in the fan engagement strategies utilised by the ICC and Boards, to make such events a growing success both for fans and commercially. It is critical that players’ commercial rights are respected, and that players’ globally, both male and female, share in the success that they are central to driving, including in relation to prize money arrangements for ICC events. We will continue to work to ensure that players are educated on this now and in the lead-up to the next ICC events cycle” said Irish.

Global Strategy for Cricket and Global Regulations
The Board noted the slowing of progress on work at ICC level on a global strategy for cricket and fit for purpose global regulations for sanctioned cricket.

“FICA remains of the view that the game should have a global strategy and common vision that all key stakeholders, including the players collectively, and their representatives, are part of developing, and can therefore support and buy into. We will continue to highlight key issues, and advocate for a balanced global structure for the game, that protects its history and international cricket, as well as promoting and supporting the development of the new domestic leagues landscape.”

“A properly designed global playing schedule and global regulations are key aspects of this. This is not only important to protect the future of the game, but also the fundamental human and employment rights of players and others who work in the game” said Irish.

FICA Membership & Minimum Standards
Amendments to FICA’s Membership and Minimum Standards framework were approved by the Board, with a focus on ensuring players’ associations are representative of current players, and independent from relevant governing bodies.

FICA Strategy
The Board also discussed FICA’s strategy framework for the next four year period, including the need to ensure that FICA and its member players’ associations continue to cater for the direction in which the game is moving, and continue to be a strong voice for players globally.

“Players are at the heart of all of FICA’s activities, but we also care about the health of the global game. FICA will continue to seek to first collaborate and work with key stakeholders in the game in a proactive way, but where appropriate we will also challenge, and shine a light on, key issues in order to effectively represent players and ensure that the game moves forward” said Irish.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Need a social security like system for all players in first class cricket. Or situations like this will continue forever.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Closure of Departmental Cricket & it’s Side effects have started to come,this boy Played some games for Karachi Under my captaincy some years back,but now because of NO DEPARTMENT Cricket&#55356;&#57295; plus less players in New Domestic season a talented player is Driving a rented pick up!&#55357;&#56852; <a href="https://t.co/3RG7gzAdSG">pic.twitter.com/3RG7gzAdSG</a></p>— Faisal Iqbal&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816;&#55356;&#57295; فیصل اقبال (@FaisalIqbalCric) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalIqbalCric/status/1182663232122773505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

FICA today confirmed the appointment of Tom Moffat as Chief Executive of the organisation, whilst Tony Irish will remain as Executive Chairman. Moffat, a former professional cricketer, and lawyer, from Australia, has worked as FICA’s Chief Operating Officer since 2016. The announcement coincides with the start of a new strategy period in which FICA will focus on:

Players: Serving players’ collective interests globally
The Game: Positively influencing the direction of the global game;
Players’ Associations: Strengthening and growing global influence.

Commenting on the appointment Moffat said:

“It’s a privilege to continue to be in a position to represent players collectively at global level. Through their performances, players around the world make the game the spectacle that it is, and continuing to listen to their views, and making progress for them collectively globally, will remain our priority in the next period of FICA’s evolution as the world players’ body.”

“We are intent on ensuring that players around the world understand their rights, that they are protected by the game, and that their views are taken seriously by those making decisions about the future of the global game. We care about the game and want it to be successful.”

FICA Executive Chairman Tony Irish said:

"There has never been a more important time than now for cricketers to be well represented, and to have a strong voice, at the international level of the game, but also for FICA and the players to be part of important global developments taking place across all sports. Tom has gained significant experience in the four years that he has already worked in FICA and is now very well positioned to lead the implementation of our new strategy which seeks to achieve these international and global objectives."

 

[MenInG]

FICA today commented on the outcomes of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Global Dialogue on Decent Work in the World of Sport held in Geneva in late January (accessible here). The ILO is an agency of the United Nations, and the tripartite Dialogue was the first solely focussed on the working conditions facing professional athletes.

The Dialogue was attended by players’ association representatives under the World Players’ Association umbrella, employer, and government representatives. Global sports governing bodies also attended as observers, including World Rugby, FIFA, and the IOC. The ICC did not attend.

The Dialogue adopted various ‘points of consensus’, which affirmed that:
Professional athletes must be afforded fundamental rights at work;
Governments, employers, players’ associations and sports bodies should promote engagement, including via collective negotiations, to improve working conditions for professional athletes worldwide; and
‘Free, independent, strong and representative’ athlete organisations are key to achieving this.
Tom Moffat, FICA’s CEO, who along with FICA Board Member, Cecelia Joyce, attended the Dialogue as part of the World Players’ Association delegation said:

“The outcomes of the Dialogue provided another example of the clear direction of travel in world sport, and confirmation that athletes' fundamental rights must be respected. History shows us that when players are represented by genuinely independent and representative players’ associations, and collectively agree the terms and conditions of their work, this has benefitted both the players and the sport. Collective agreements bring stability and certainty in complex employment environments at both national and global level.”

“We have spent several years urging the ICC to work collaboratively on implementing a proactive framework to protect players’ rights in cricket, including against many of the harms that we know are being caused to them. We have highlighted instances of active opposition to players joining or forming a players’ association, and have also provided significant data on systematic contract breaches, non-payment of players, and bullying and intimidation, in the system the ICC and its members regulate.”

“We have provided proactive proposals to address these issues and other issues and we continue to urge the ICC to work collaboratively with us on these.”

 

[ind_win]

not reqd for Indian players, BCCI takes good care of its players - post the failed ICL (non BCCI league and was a threat to BCCI ) and successful IPL, this is a welcome change.

 

[Reddy]

not reqd for Indian players, BCCI takes good care of its players - post the failed ICL (non BCCI league and was a threat to BCCI ) and successful IPL, this is a welcome change.

At least read the thread before commenting, Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) was formed in July 2019.

 

[MenInG]

FICA Calls on ICC to Address Systematic Contract Breaches in ICC Sanctioned Cricket

FICA has today released its Men’s Global Employment Report 2020. The Report, covering the 2018/19 (pre Covid-19) report period, is based on analysis of significant statistical data research, including qualitative and quantitative surveying of more than 277 current men’s professional and international players from all nine FICA member countries.

The Report follows FICA’s first men’s global employment report released in 2018 and provides an evidence based analysis of significant issues for players and the game at global level and across countries.

One of the key findings highlights ongoing systematic contract breaches and non-payment of players around the world in events regulated by the ICC or its members, with 32% of men’s players (34% of all players) having experienced late or non-payment issues. FICA is aware of recent late payment or non-payment issues in the following sanctioned leagues, many of which remain un-resolved:

Global T20 Canada;

Bangladesh Premier League;

Abu Dhabi T10;

Qatar T10;

Euro T20 Slam;

Masters Champions League.

These are in addition to recent issues in the international cricket framework in full ICC member countries, including Bangladesh players not being paid ICC event prize money, and Zimbabwean players, for example, not being paid contractual amounts.

FICA intends to continue to release its Men’s and Women’s Global Employment Reports bi-annually and will be releasing the next edition of its Women's Global Employment Report in the coming months.

CEO of FICA, Tom Moffat said:
“These reports continue to highlight key issues and act as a benchmark against which FICA will measure the shifting of the game’s professional player landscape and important employment and structural issues in the game.”

“Systematic contract breaches and non-payment of players are issues that urgently need addressing. The ICC has an obligation to protect people working within its regulatory frameworks and it’s time something was done about this issue.”

“We continue to urge decision makers to work with FICA at global level, and players’ associations at domestic level, to develop joint solutions to issues highlighted in these reports, many of which are likely to be exacerbated by the current global situation.”

Jason Holder said:
"Players should be encouraged to speak up on big issues in sport and society. With strong leadership cricket can be a genuine force for good."

Aaron Finch said:
"I would love to see the role of players' associations embraced across the whole cricket world. Player voice is important to protecting both players and the game. In my experience players care deeply about the game and want to ensure it's healthy and thriving."

Eoin Morgan said:
“It’s essential the global cricket structure and leadership protects the history of the game and also its future. Domestic leagues and international cricket both have a really important place and there needs to be a balance between them."

William Porterfield said:
“One of the things our eyes have been opened to since forming a players’ association is that players are often the ones left on the end of the line when leagues fall over or when clubs and leagues don’t honour commitments. We hope the ICC work with FICA to properly address this.”

 

[MenInG]

FICA report also claimed that Bangladesh players were due ICC event prize money which BCB claimed as ‘misrepresentation of facts’

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has termed Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) claims regarding the handling of franchisee event contracts and payment of players from ICC events misleading and misinformed. FICA through a report on its ‘Men’s Global Employment Report 2020’ listed the Bangladesh Premier League T20 (BPL) as one of the sanctioned leagues where late payment or non-payment issues persist. FICA in its report also mentioned that Bangladesh players were due ICC event prize money.

Started journey in 2012, the first few editions of BPL T20 were marred with irregular payments. The tournament however, had seemed came a long way in terms of ensuring the payments of the players and supports staff in last few editions until the FICA report revealed the recent irregularities.

Addressing the claims made by FICA on BPL T20 payments, BCB in a statement on Tuesday said, “BCB would like to clearly state that the only unresolved/disputed payment from the BPL concerns four (04) persons - three overseas players and a coach, of one particular team that had participated in the 6th edition of the BPL held in 2018. This is an isolated case in a tournament where more than 170 local and overseas players and support staff were contracted.”

“Between January and April 2020, the BCB received complaints from the representative(s) of the players and coach that the franchisee in question had failed to comply with its obligations and did not complete payment. As per the franchisee agreement it was the responsibility of the franchisee to directly pay in full its contracted players and support staff.

“Nevertheless, as the regulatory body of the event BCB had duly inquired the matter and subsequently has initiated legal proceedings against the accused franchisee to realise the pending payment and resolve the issue. It should be noted that the Board has kept constant contact with the concerned individuals and representative(s) who are fully aware of the steps taken by the BCB,” BCB mentioned in the statement.

The three players and the coach mentioned by BCB had all participated at BPL T20 franchise Sylhet Sixers. It has learnt that the three overseas cricketers are West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran, Pakistan cricketer Shoail Tanvir and Gulabdin Naib from Afghanistan. While the coach is former Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis.

FICA report also claimed that Bangladesh players were due ICC event prize money which BCB claimed as ‘misrepresentation of facts’.

“The board has completed prize money payment to players from all previous ICC events including the last, which was the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. It may be mentioned that the BCB has maintained a standard by which players on a number of occasions have received additional incentives from the Board on top of the prize money from ICC events during distribution,” said the BCB statement.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/...-terms-fica-report-misleading-and-misinformed

 

[BouncerGuy]

FICA Annual Meeting 2023 Outcomes

The FICA Annual Meeting was held in Singapore this week, attended by the FICA Board, member players’ associations, and a number of invited guests. The meeting included the following agenda items and outcomes:

Player Feedback and FICA Global Scheduling Symposium

The Board received external presentations and an update following men’s team meetings held during the ODI World Cup in India, and women’s team meetings held in South Africa earlier in the year. The Board noted the strong player feedback on the global structure of the game and scheduling, in particular, and approved the hosting of a player led Global Scheduling Symposium in 2024. Any media opportunities around this will be advised closer to the time.

US Cricketers Association

The Board was pleased to note the formation of the US Cricketers’ Association and confirm its acceptance into FICA with observer status. The Board noted that alongside player leadership, Walter Palmer, the former Head of the World Players’ Association, will be joining the USCA Executive Committee. The Board was disappointed to hear several further reports of national governing bodies, leagues and teams around the world actively opposing or threatening players who exercise their right to organise, form and join players’ associations. FICA will be investigating these reports and will continue to assist player groups around the world who ask for its support.

FICA Domestic Leagues Hub

The Board approved the 2024 launch of the FICA Leagues Hub as a tool for players and agents globally in the domestic leagues landscape, and as a consolidated resource in the game. Given there are almost no enforceable global protections in place for players competing in sanctioned cricket, despite them being prevented from competing outside of it, the Leagues Hub will highlight in which leagues player terms have been negotiated with player collective representatives aligning with international best practice, and in which leagues they haven’t. It will also highlight those leagues in which the late or non-payment of players has been reported.

FICA and Pakistan

The Board was pleased to welcome Sana Mir to her first in person Annual Meeting and discussed issues in Pakistan and how FICA may best be able to assist and support players and the game in the region moving forward.

ICC Events 2024 – 2027

The Board noted the ongoing positive progress with the ICC with respect to player Squad Terms and player commercial rights for the next cycle of ICC Events, and other issues impacting players at global level. The Board also discussed the need for global minimum standards with respect to player safety issues including heat and air quality, which will be raised with the ICC.

Board Changes

The Board was pleased to welcome Kenny Godsman as the Scottish Cricketers’ Association’s nominee, and thanked Ally Evans for his significant contributions to the Board and as the inaugural President of SCA.

FICA Chairman Heath Mills said:

“Cricket is moving closer to a cross roads, in particular with respect to its global structure. Irrespective of who is driving decisions in the game, we know that the players will be at the centre of it’s future in every landscape. We continue to encourage the game’s leadership to engage with players’ associations domestically and with FICA at global level, to ensure that principles of collaboration and partnership, and world class structures, underpin the future of our sport.”

FICA Independent Director Sana Mir said:

“The level of expertise and debate in these forums is world leading and it has been eye opening to see the difference that can be made for players and the game through effective collective representation. I would like to see more players from more parts of the world be able to understand and enjoy the benefits of this.”

FICA CEO Tom Moffat said:

“It has been inspiring to bring our Board and member players’ associations together to discuss our progress as a collective and align on our direction of travel as a group. Given the number of issues in the game becoming global issues, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that players are effectively represented at all levels and well positioned for where the game is heading.”

SOURCE: FICA​

 

[Bhaijaan]

I am against labour unions

 

[Itachi]

I am against labour unions

I am for labour union provided they are recognised by the authority. It gives a great leverage to the players.

 

[MenInG]

FICA and Pakistan

The Board was pleased to welcome Sana Mir to her first in person Annual Meeting and discussed issues in Pakistan and how FICA may best be able to assist and support players and the game in the region moving forward.

Interesting - so are we close to a union now?

 

[Bhaijaan]

I am for labour union provided they are recognised by the authority. It gives a great leverage to the players.

Labour unions are eventually bad for the system. They start off being relevant but then they become just as bad as the systems they fights

Saw the same in Hollywood few months ago.

Why would a Bharatiya cricketer would wanna be part of such a union when he’s being looked after by his board