13 Nov 2024
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.”
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