World players’ union wants reform in ‘broken, unsustainable’ cricket calendar

The World Cricketers’ Association has announced a review into a global schedule it describes as “broken and unsustainable” and “confusing and chaotic”. It aims to propose a structure that “enables international cricket and domestic leagues to coexist in a clear, coherent calendar”.

The WCA has established a six-person committee – including Tom Harrison, the former chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, who now holds the same position with Six Nations Rugby – that will work with senior executives from the WCA and independent consultants to produce recommendations after consultation with players, broadcasters, administrators and team owners.

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The committee met for the first time in England last month and its recommendations are likely to focus on the creation of clearly defined windows for international and franchise cricket, before the end of the year.

Heath Mills, chief executive of the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association and the WCA chair, said members of the organisation had “virtually given up hope” that a sensible schedule could be created. “We are fortunate that cricket is spoilt for choice and has three core formats across both the international game and domestic leagues,” he said.

“However, to date, the game’s leadership has collectively failed to come together to establish a clear and coherent global structure in which they can coexist. The players deserve a say on the future of the game and want us to start putting forward some solutions to known issues.”

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, last month described the crowded schedule as “something that does need to be addressed”. He said: “Who knows what international cricket is going to look like, with all the franchise stuff that is going on as well. It does need to get looked at. I don’t think anyone can put their hand on their heart and know what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time.”

The WCA committee also includes Paul Marsh, the chief executive of the Australian Football League Players’ Association and son of Rodney Marsh, the former Australia wicketkeeper. “Having watched the progress of the game over the past 10 years from outside the sport, it is clear to me that there is so much opportunity for cricket if it can get this part of the puzzle right,” he said.

“But it is also clear that the long-term health of cricket is at risk if this work is not done and changes are not made.”