The World Cricketers Association (WCA) has initiated an independent examination of cricket's organizational framework, with a primary objective being to resolve the 'confusing and chaotic' international schedule. Formerly known as the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations, the WCA announced on Monday that the review will concentrate on three main areas: international scheduling, the economic aspects of cricket, and player employment, contracts, and regulations.
The review panel will be headed by former Pakistan women's team captain Sana Mir and ex-England and Wales Cricket Board CEO Tom Harrison. It will also involve consultations with players, both current and former administrators, and franchise owners. 'The current model is broken and unsustainable,' the association stated. 'Confusing and chaotic global scheduling, lacking clarity on the interaction between international cricket and domestic leagues, forces players to increasingly choose between national representation and optimizing their careers.'
WCA chair Heath Mills criticized cricket's leadership for failing to create a clear and coherent global structure where the three formats of cricket can coexist. 'We have virtually given up hope of it doing so. The players deserve a say on the future of the game and want us to start putting forward some solutions to known issues,' Mills said. The process will focus on making recommendations to the board on optimizing the game's global structure, ensuring sustainable value, and providing more clarity.
The International Cricket Council, cricket's global governing body, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The proliferation of profitable domestic Twenty20 leagues has further congested cricket's already crowded calendar, with new competitions in recent years reducing the available slots for test and one-day cricket. Some international players have opted to retire from certain formats due to the demanding schedule. A study published by the Professional Cricketers Association in May revealed that a majority of professionals in England and Wales are concerned about the county cricket schedule.
