FICA urges ICC to deliver a clear and compelling future for all International Cricket

[MenInG]

Following completion of FICA’s annual player survey, and ahead of further discussions at ICC level on the structure of international cricket, the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) today urged the ICC to deliver a clear and compelling future for international cricket, which includes meaningful change to competition structures. FICA is supportive of improving, and adding context to all three formats of international cricket, ensuring a structure that delivers better clarity and balance between the formats, and one that will address the continued decline in popularity of much of international cricket. Cricket needs a new international structure now to allow it to survive and thrive in the future.

“It is clear that there is a ground swell of opinion around the world that the current structure of international cricket is not serving the game globally, and that the status quo is not good enough for the long term future success of cricket” Tony Irish, FICA Executive Chairman said.

“We have been involved in the ongoing discussions on the structure of the game, on behalf of players, and there is no doubt that the game’s stakeholders have a unique opportunity to be bold and to provide a compelling future for the international game. The entire cricket economy, including all professional players, both international and domestic, is highly dependent on international cricket. To ensure its survival the game needs to evolve. It has many strengths and its rich history must be protected, but it is time to significantly move the game forward. That is not an easy task, but thinking globally, and not based on regional or country interests, is a good place to start” Irish continued.

“To date, the issue that has been talked about most is Test cricket, but we believe that this review is about creating clear visions for all three formats of international cricket, and balancing them alongside the continued expansion and success of the various domestic T20 cricket leagues. We know from our player surveys, and our engagement with players, that they are facing a conflict between international cricket and domestic T20 cricket leagues. This is a fundamental issue that we want any future structure of the game to address. Our concern is that if nothing is done, international cricket may very soon lose more and more of its best players to free agency and the T20 leagues.”

“This re-structuring of international cricket should be about providing a better sporting product for fans, players and broadcasters. ICC management has done some excellent work on this, and we strongly encourage Member Boards to look beyond their own individual country interests in taking this forward. We understand that not everyone is in agreement over the divisional Test structure currently proposed, but this should not derail the entire process. We urge the game to thoroughly explore all potential options to create a coherent new structure that adds more context and meaning to all matches. It is time for global, collective thinking.”

World Player Views

· AB de Villiers, South Africa: “We have already raised our intensity and urgency just knowing that a Test league might happen. There is nothing like the pressure and adrenaline that comes with knowing you need to win matches. It’s time for all international matches to have more meaning.”

· Jason Holder, West Indies: “Creating windows (for domestic T20 tournaments) would make the whole situation a lot easier as players would not be forced to choose. If players could play both domestic T20 and international cricket, it would definitely help to keep players in international cricket.”

· Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh: “It would be a great thing for Bangladesh to play more regular international cricket. I have been playing for 10 years and have only played 42 Tests. If I was from India or England I would have had the opportunity to play double that amount.”

· Steve Smith, Australia: ”We want our best players to be on the park as much as possible playing for our countries, and at the moment that isn't always happening. Players should absolutely have a say in the future of the game. We are the ones out there doing the job, we have a close up view of what's happening in the game, and it is important we are involved in decision making.”

· Ross Taylor, New Zealand: “We need to find ways of keeping our players. To survive as a cricket nation, we need our top players playing for New Zealand and not retiring early.”

Additional Player Data

FICA has recently conducted its 2016 player survey of 193 current professional players from all seven FICA affiliated countries, including 111 international players. Notable, selected results relevant to the structure of cricket include:

· Despite overwhelmingly indicating that Test cricket is the most important format to play in, more than 52% of all international respondents in the current structure still indicated that they would consider rejecting a national contract in favour of free agency in domestic T20 leagues;

· 70% of all respondents think there should be “ring fenced” windows in the calendar for certain domestic T20 events to prevent clashes with international cricket;

· 75% of all respondents think that closing the wage gap between domestic T20 and international cricket would help to retain players in international cricket;

· 72% of all respondents would support the introduction of a divisional Test competition to add more meaning to each match;

· 75% of all respondents would support the introduction of a Test match final/play off match.


FICA International Cricket Structural Review

FICA released its International Cricket Structural Review earlier this year, in which FICA encouraged the ICC and Member Boards to focus on the following key issues in the ongoing discussions:

Global thinking: for the good of the global game;

Balancing the three formats better and working together with domestic T20: introducing windows for T20 leagues where possible;

International cricket should be “best v best”: players should not be forced to choose between club and country, and scheduling between formats should generally not conflict;

All International cricket needs context and it needs to be competitive: new competition structures with context, based on merit, should enable this;

Providing clarity in the calendar and fair protections for players: in regulations and contract structures;

Retaining talent in the international game by redistributing money more equitably to help close player wage gaps between domestic T20 and international cricket: this does not mean players from top earning countries should be paid less. Players from all countries should be paid fairly

Clear pathways for associate countries, based on merit

FICA’s full International Cricket Structural Review can be found at: http://www.thefica.com/wp-content/u...ricket-Structural-Review-2016-single-page.pdf

The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) was established in 1998 to co-ordinate the activities of all national players’ associations which protect the interests of professional cricketers throughout the world. It brings together the world’s cricketers, regardless of nationality, religion, political persuasion or race, under an international body focused on matters of general interest to the game and its players.

FICA Players’ Association Representatives

Australian Cricketers’ Association – Alistair Nicholson

Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh - Debabrata Paul

New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association – Heath Mills

Professional Cricketers’ Association (UK) – David Leatherdale

South African Cricketers’ Association – Tony Irish

Sri Lankan Cricketers’ Association - Ken De Alwis

West Indies Players’ Association – Wavell Hinds


FICA Structure

President – Jimmy Adams

Executive Chairman – Tony Irish

Chief Operating Officer – Tom Moffat

 

[MenInG]

I do wonder if anyone actually listens to these guys?

 

[MenInG]

FICA this week held its Annual Meeting via video-conference. The meeting focused on issues common to all players around the world and the global game, as well as best practice sharing in light of the challenges that Covid-19 has presented globally. The meeting was attended by the full FICA Board and a number of invited contributors.

Dutch Cricketers’ Association
The Board unanimously accepted the Dutch Cricketers’ Association as new members of FICA. Chief Executive of FICA Tom Moffat, said:

“We are pleased to welcome the DCA into FICA. This is another example of players recognising the importance of being collectively represented in their own country, and as part of the global collective of players. With the formation of the Scottish and Irish Associations in recent years, FICA has reached ten member associations for the first time in its history, which is consistent with the trend we are seeing across sports globally. Players are at the heart of the success of the game, and their collective voice should be embraced. We know there are barriers to players’ associations in some pockets of the cricket world and as part of its internationally recognised human rights responsibilities, we believe the ICC has an obligation to proactively ensure that all players from all countries are provided with a safe space to form and join genuinely representative players’ associations.”

Player Commercial Rights
The Board discussed ongoing disputes with the ICC regarding the use of player commercial rights and resolved to continue to work to ensure that players are treated fairly.

“Our preference is always to work collaboratively with the ICC to achieve fair outcomes, but if that possibility is removed, we have a clear mandate to take necessary steps to ensure that players are not exploited unfairly” said Moffat.

Systematic Player Contract Breaches in ICC Sanctioned Cricket
The Board resolved to continue to focus on global solutions in response to the growing and significant statistics on player non-payment and late payment in events sanctioned by the ICC and its members.

“The ICC and Member Boards have not displayed enough of a willingness to prioritise and act on this issue and work with us to proactively protect players. We have proposed clear global solutions to these issues based on best practice and players are entitled to expect that if they are playing in an event sanctioned by the game’s global governing body, or one of its members, that their contract will be honoured. Players deserve to play in a regulatory environment that protects them, not just the ICC and Boards.” said Moffat.

Player Welfare & Covid-19
The Board discussed a number of FICA and players’ association initiatives and resolved to continue to share best practice in light of the ongoing challenges presented by Covid-19 to both the game and players, and the support infrastructure that is required to ensure player wellbeing is prioritised and at a consistent level around the world.

Executive Chairman
Following the expiration of Tony Irish’s term as Chairman the FICA Board unanimously appointed Heath Mills as his successor. Irish will continue as an important part of FICA, joining Lisa Sthalekar in the role of Independent Director. Mills has been the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Players’ Association and FICA Board Member since 2002.

Commenting on his appointment as Executive Chairman, Heath Mills, said:

“On behalf of the Board and our global playing group, I would like to thank Tony for his strong and principled leadership over recent years which has seen FICA grow into an effective and respected stakeholder in the game. We are delighted that he will remain actively involved as an Independent Director and continue to use his considerable experience and expertise in support of our members and players alike.

“I’m both humbled and excited to take on the Chairman role at a vital time for the game and our members as the ICC works to establish an event and playing programme post 2023. It’s important that we continue to ensure that players are strongly represented and respected at global level at this time.”

Tony Irish, said:

“FICA is well positioned to continue to make progress on behalf of players globally in the coming years and I look forward to continuing to be part of that. There has never been a more important time than now for clear global leadership and collaboration in cricket. FICA continues to urge decision makers to involve players collectively in decisions that affect them and to look at the game’s global structure holistically, not exclusively based on regional interests.”

 

[MenInG]

The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations held its annual meeting at Adelaide Oval this week, the first in person meeting of the full Board post the Covid-19 pandemic. The meeting was attended by the leaders of all FICA member players’ associations, president Lisa Sthalekar, and several guest presenters including:

Greg Barclay, ICC Chairman

Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports, Star & Disney India

Dan Christian, former Australian international player

Javed Ahmadi, former Afghanistan international player

Brendan Schwab, Executive Director World Players’ Association

Key agenda items included:

International player feedback - following meetings with the men's teams affiliated to FICA during the T20 World Cup;

Ongoing examples of opposition to players forming players’ associations - in several countries, and ensuring all stakeholders in the game are meeting their obligation to create a safe environment for players to exercise their right to organise, which is protected by international law;

The next ICC events cycle - and the central role the players and their commercial rights will play in the delivery of, and additional value creation, for the game’s partners and fans alike;

The continuing expansion of the domestic leagues landscape and non-traditional employment pathways - and the need for balance in the structure of the game to ensure international cricket and domestic leagues can co-exist;

Appointments - the Board was pleased to confirm further terms for Heath Mills as Executive Chairman and Tony Irish as independent Board member.

The 2023 FICA Annual Meeting will be held in India during the men’s 50 Over World Cup.

FICA President Lisa Sthalekar said:
Players and their associations have expressed a strong commitment to working together in a united way through FICA towards the next ICC Events cycle, and on addressing the opportunities and challenges facing players and the game. It was great to hear different perspectives from various players, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, and Head of Sports at Disney Star, Sanjog Gupta, on how the players can be working in partnership with other stakeholders to strengthen the game.

FICA Executive Chairman Heath Mills said:
Where there are players’ associations around the world, we know that there will be better terms and conditions for players to operate in, and often good professional relationships with governing bodies. We remain concerned when we see and hear of examples of players being restricted or stopped from joining a players' association or being able to freely organise themselves into a collective to have a voice and ensure they’re treated fairly. We are looking forward to working with the ICC on resolving this problem for those players who continue to be impacted.

 

[MenInG]

49 Per Cent International Cricketers Ready To Reject National Contracts For T20 Leagues: Survey

The cricketing ecosystem is witnessing a paradigm shift with a major chunk of international cricketers save India rejecting their respective country's central contracts to become freelance agents for the T20 leagues across the globe, world players' body FICA stated in its annual report. It must be mentioned that the Indian players' body is not under the aegis of FICA whose sample survey doesn't include the Indian cricketers. As per the latest report, "49 per cent would consider rejecting a central contract if they were paid more to play in domestic leagues".

There is a growing debate that 50-over cricket is fast losing its relevance and the survey suggests that there is a marked dip in the percentage of cricketers who still think that ODI World Cup is the most important event in the ICC calendar.

"54 per cent still consider the 50 over World Cup as the pinnacle ICC event, although this has reduced significantly from 86 per cent in the 2018/19 FICA survey," the report stated.

The FICA, in its report, has segregated the current employment scenario of cricketers into three distinct categories --- Traditional market, Hybrid market, Free Agency Market.

The division of percentage is 18% in traditional market which is about players having primary home domestic/international contracts. The Hybrid Market, which involves primary home domestic/international contract as well as overseas domestic contract (T20 leagues, county), has 42 per cent cricketers while the most alarming rate of increase is the Free Agency market which constitutes 40 per cent.

Free Agency market solely involves multiple home and overseas domestic contract (own country's T20 league as well as other T20 leagues across globe).

Interestingly, the inference drawn from the trend is that traditional market only constitutes Indian players as they are not allowed to play overseas T20 leagues.

"The growing trend is for players to move towards hybrid or free agent status, with 82% of the top 100 players from the T20 Player Index now in this category. 40 per cent of the top T20 players in the world now do not have a central contract with a top nine cricket country," the report said.

"Most of the best players in the world are now in the hybrid / free agency markets. The percentages plotted above only reflect central/nationally contracted players featuring within the top 100 of the T20 Player Index. Almost all of the 18 per cent 'traditional market' players are from India, highlighting the restraints placed on these players preventing participation in overseas domestic leagues," it further stated.

Vast difference in international cricket exposure

The report stated that countries ranked between 1-9 in ICC list played 81.5 days of international cricket in 2021 while countries ranked between 10-20 played an average of 21.5 days.

There were 485 international fixtures in 2021 alone, 195 more than the 290 that happened in 2020 due to COVID-19 but still significantly lesser than 522 games that took place around the globe in 2019.

Mohammed Rizwan with 80 calendar days in 2021 had the highest international cricket workload while Rishabh Pant with 75 days is highest amongst Indians. In between, there is Joe Root with 78 days of cricket in 2021.

NDTV

 

[Hitman]

FICA report: 49% international cricketers ready to reject national central contracts for T20 leagues

The cricketing ecosystem is witnessing a paradigm shift with a major chunk of international cricketers save India rejecting their respective country’s central contracts to become freelance agents for the T20 leagues across the globe, world players’ body FICA stated in its annual report.

It must be mentioned that the Indian players’ body is not under the aegis of FICA whose sample survey doesn’t include the Indian cricketers.

As per the latest report, “49% would consider rejecting a central contract if they were paid more to play in domestic leagues”.

There is a growing debate that 50-over cricket is fast losing its relevance and the survey suggests that there is a marked dip in the percentage of cricketers who still think that ODI World Cup is the most important event in the ICC calender.

“54% still consider the 50 over World Cup as the pinnacle ICC event, although this has reduced significantly from 86% in the 2018/19 FICA survey,” the report stated.

The FICA, in its report, has segregated the current employment scenario of cricketers into three distinct categories --- Traditional market, Hybrid market, Free Agency Market.

The division of percentage is 18% in traditional market which is about players having primary home domestic/international contracts. The Hybrid Market, which involves primary home domestic/international contract as well as overseas domestic contract (T20 leagues, county), has 42% cricketers while the most alarming rate of increase is the Free Agency market which constitutes 40 per cent.

Free Agency market solely involves multiple home and overseas domestic contract (own country’s T20 league as well as other T20 leagues across globe).

Interestingly, the inference drawn from the trend is that traditional market only constitutes Indian players as they are not allowed to play overseas T20 leagues.

“The growing trend is for players to move towards hybrid or free agent status, with 82% of the top 100 players from the T20 Player Index now in this category. 40% of the top T20 players in the world now do not have a central contract with a top nine cricket country,” the report said.

“Most of the best players in the world are now in the hybrid / free agency markets. The percentages plotted above only reflect central/nationally contracted players featuring within the top 100 of the T20 Player Index. Almost all of the 18% ‘traditional market’ players are from India, highlighting the restraints placed on these players preventing participation in overseas domestic leagues,” it further stated.

Vast difference in international cricket exposure

The report stated that countries ranked between 1-9 in ICC list played 81.5 days of international cricket in 2021 while countries ranked between 10-20 played an average of 21.5 days.

There were 485 international fixtures in 2021 alone, 195 more than the 290 that happened in 2020 due to COVID-19 but still significantly lesser than 522 games that took place around the globe in 2019.

Mohammed Rizwan with 80 calender days in 2021 had the highest international cricket workload while Rishabh Pant with 75 days is highest amongst Indians. In between, there is Joe Root with 78 days of cricket in 2021.

Link: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...acts-t20-leagues-ipl-fica/article66200791.ece

 

[jnaveen1980]

Exclusive T20 players for their country are generally not part of the central contract. Very rare if any. SKY only this year earned central contract. Grade C contract. But he is not part of ODI set up as well. Indians make enough from IPL. So central contract is not necessary. But think about T20 specialist from other countries. They don't make much from international cricket as they are unlikely to be part of central contract. Even if they are part of the contract they are likely to be part of lower tier group. Obviously they would prefer leagues as their career is not going to last forever. 3 or 4 or 5 year whatever they will want to make the most of it.

 

[Savak]

This is rubbish. The T20 league route is only profitable for the highly demanded players in all the leagues especially IPL.

Players who are not that high in demand and especially not playing in the IPL will never give up their central contracts.

 

[MenInG]

Former Pakistan Captain Sana Mir Appointed to FICA Board

FICA today announced that Sana Mir has joined its Board as an independent director, following a full Board meeting held via video conference.

A former Pakistan national team captain and current commentator, Sana has extensive experience in cricket. She has also held various ambassadorships and activist roles at not for profits outside of cricket and holds degrees in Mathematics, Statistics and Economics.

She joins FICA’s eleven-person Board, including Tony Irish who was recently re-appointed as an independent director, and former internationals Lisa Sthalekar and Cecelia Joyce as other women in FICA’s senior leadership.

Commenting on her appointment:

Sana Mir said - “I’m excited to join FICA’s leadership and to add a different perspective to the world players body as it continues to grow, contribute to the game, and advocate for players.”

FICA Executive Chairman Heath Mills said - "We are delighted to have someone of Sana’s calibre join the FICA Board and know she will be able to contribute enormously at this important time for all players around the world. It’s a significant and positive step for us to have a voice from Pakistan around our Board table."

FICA President Lisa Sthalekar said - "Sana’s experience and continuing presence in the game will be a great asset to FICA and players around the world, and we welcome her to the Board".

 

[sweep_shot]

Link: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...acts-t20-leagues-ipl-fica/article66200791.ece

I have said it before. T20 cricket has destroyed cricket as we know it.

T20 can make boards and players rich but it hurts cricket in the long run.

ICC's spinelessness also didn't help.

 

[Hitman]

I have said it before. T20 cricket has destroyed cricket as we know it.

T20 can make boards and players rich but it hurts cricket in the long run.

ICC's spinelessness also didn't help.

T20 cricket is a joke. League cricket is an even bigger joke.

 

[BouncerGuy]

WCA Launches Global Player Hardship Fund

The WCA Board met in Singapore for its Annual General Meeting this week. The meeting was attended by Board and sub-committee members, other contributors and invited guests.

The Board was pleased to approve the establishment of its Global Player Hardship Fund. The Fund is designed to support international players in need who are not covered by the game’s existing domestic frameworks for support. The Fund will be governed by an oversight group comprised of experts and players’ association representatives.

JP Van Wyk, WCA’s Head of Welfare and Education, commented:

“Professional athletes face unique challenges in their short careers and we know through the great work that many players’ associations do at domestic level that tailored player welfare support structures have supported players in their time of need. We also know that in an increasingly global player employment market there are notable gaps in the current system in assisting players in extreme cases of hardship. Although this fund will operate within certain constraints, and will complement domestic offerings, we are certain it is going to assist those current and recently retired international cricketers who are presently unsupported and vulnerable. Our commitment is to build on this groundwork and further enhance WCA’s Global Player Welfare and Education offerings for players' associations and players.”

Global Game Structure Review

The Board received an update on the ongoing global game structure review from the Chair of the Sub Committee, Paul Marsh. The Sub Committee confirmed that The Sports Consultancy will be working with it as its independent consultancy partner, with the intention to present findings and recommendations early in 2025.

Paul Marsh, Chair of the Global Game Structure Sub-Committee, commented:

"We have been really pleased with the level of engagement, and almost all people who have been asked to participate have done so, and have provided valuable feedback on the game’s global structure. In addition to players, more than 60 stakeholders from across the game have already been interviewed. The desire from these people to help to chart a better way forward for the game gives hope that we can achieve this and it is really clear that there are a number of fundamental issues that need to be addressed, and these have consistently shone through in the qualitative and quantitative data gathered so far. We are looking forward to continuing the process with The Sports Consultancy and to presenting findings early in the new year."

Ongoing Non-Payment Issues, Threats and Intimidation of Players

The Board was concerned to receive reports on a number of countries that are still yet to pay players their prize money in full from the men’s T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier this year, in contravention to the Terms of Participation in ICC Events. In some cases the failure to pay in full has been paired with threatening and intimidatory behaviour by National Governing Bodies to player groups.

Tom Moffat, WCA CEO, commented:

“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. We appreciate the ICC's efforts to date in ensuring the players involved are paid in full, and are certain the ICC will continue to take all appropriate steps against any Boards who do not do so, and to enforce their own Terms of Participation. Every player in our sport should receive the benefits they are entitled to in full, and should be provided with a safe environment to play, work, and advocate for themselves and their colleagues off field, through a players’ association if they choose."

Heath Mills and Sana Mir Appointed for Further Terms

The Board was pleased to reappoint Heath Mills as Executive Chairman, and Sana Mir as an Independent Director, for further terms.

Sana Mir, WCA Independent Director, commented:

“I am proud to be a part of an organisation that works to support players around the world, and also to contribute to positive change for the whole game. I am looking forward to completing a further term as we continue to evolve and grow and to ensuring more players can benefit form the work of WCA and players’ associations.”

Heath Mills, WCA Chair, commented:

"I'm delighted to be reappointed as the Chair and am hugely appreciative of the support of my colleagues around the world. It's a real privilege to serve players and be in a position to support the WCA through the next phase of our evolution. The game is continuing to change at a rapid rate, and as players' associations and WCA, we need to ensure that we continue to evolve to meet the needs of players and ensure players are represented effectively into the future, wherever they ply their trade."