The report of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has been rejected by the ICC. WCA, previously known as the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) was renamed to WCA in June 2024. WCA represents the voice of the voiceless cricketers in the ever-changing landscape of cricket, where we are witnessing almost all 3 formats & franchise league matches being played together.
ICC rejects WCA suggestions
In a 4-day meeting in Zimbabwe with ICC members along with BCCI and the youthful & powerful Chairman Jay Shah, it was unanimously decided that WCA doesn’t have any authority to give suggestions. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) of governing body discussed with ICC & other board members that let the players make the decision to either play IPL or go with WCA.
“The BCCI took a strong stand in the CEC meet and it was unanimously backed by the other members of the CEC. The message is clear- the players can either choose to play the IPL or side with the WCA. There seems to be no ambiguity. As far as the share from the gaming rights revenue is concerned, it’s nobody’s business. A player represents their cricket board and members of those cricket boards from the ICC. Where and how does WCA come into the picture?,” said the source quotedby Times of India.
“Who are they? What is the World Cricketers Association? Where have they come from? These are the immediate questions which come to mind. To me they are nothing but a trade union making needless noise. Clearly, they don’t have the players’ best interest in mind and just want to create distractions. If the ICC reacts to or entertains such trade unions mushrooming now and then, then the game will not be in the right space,” said a member of the CEC who was a part of the WCA discussion.
What does actually WCA want
In WCA’s 31-page report, it clearly suggested that how more than 50% of revenue is going to BCCI, ECB & CA, with BCCI taking a major chunk of 38.5%. It is reported through Times of India that a total of 64 individuals spoke with WCA and conveyed their message. The names of their players are in the report but aren’t disclosed as of now.
The ICC’s next revenue-distribution model looks set to confirm the BCCI as the only really big player in the game.
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WCA wanted to have a separate window for International cricket, but that also has been ignored. There’s no doubt that it’s no longer the Big 3 in the revenue sharing model as the richest board has surpassed the ECB & CA. India has got the talent pool to not only place 3 different teams, but we can say 10 teams, given a robust domestic structure and a huge abundance of talent from different parts of India.
Leave aside associate nations who have to work hard to qualify for ICC tournaments, the likes of West Indies & Sri Lanka have somewhat lost their way in cricket. The board needs funding to develop the next crop of players and nurture them as well. WCA’s requirements/suggestions aren’t that unrealistic in modern cricket.
Veteran administrator angry over WCA and WCA report
A veteran administrator reported by the Times of India lambasted WCA for creating a disruption in the sport.
“Before going to the details of the report, first we need to understand who the WCA is, isn’t it? And why will the ICC discuss changing the revenue model when it was agreed upon the members when the Finance & Commercail Affairds Committee had made it’s recommendations. You fix something when it’s broken, how is this broken?,” said the person
“When the existing model was agreed upon, it was duly noted that the BCCI, the Indian market in particular, is bringing in the most money to the table. So where is rocket science? It’s pure math- you bring more, you take more. That’s what happens in sales right? More incentives for better sales. What is the need to complicate matters,” the person stated.
Market and viewership domination
It would sound very harsh, but cricket has now become Indian centric with the market and viewership it possesses, not only in India but across various franchise leagues. The new addition of IPL franchises in the ECB’s Hundred would grow Indian market’s ecosystem and make it stronger. It’s next to impossible that any nation’s market can give a fight to the richest board and dethrone or we can say change the current revenue model share.
Veteran Administrator’s judgment
The veteran administrator pointed out via Times of India that WCA is trying to complicate the things by proposing changes and sending reports.
“Was any decision taken on the WCA report? No. Will a decision on taken on the WCA report? Highly unlikely. So there is no question of a dialogue at the moment. The ICC is still trying to understand the fine prints of the organization and some of the recommendations are absurd to say the least. They just can’t ridicule the ICC and question it’s existence in the ecosystem,” said the veteran administrator.
“Everyone wants better and bigger things for cricketers but also needs to understand that there are moving parts which need to be taken care of,” the person concluded.
What lies ahead for cricket
The next FTP 2027-31 will most likely be launched at the end of the year. It’s somewhat crystal clear that ICC & other board members, along with CEC, agree to the change in the revenue model. Perhaps, the broadcasters across the globe have the power over the global governing body. If that is the reason, it can be quite scary for the Game of Gentlemen.
The question arises why BCCI wants a massive piece of revenue? Why don’t other board members don’t raise their voice over FTP & Revenue share, given how every board is struggling economically, whether it is the ECB or CA?
ICC T20 WC 2026 is scheduled in India & Sri Lanka, ICC CT 2029 is in India, ICC ODI WC 2031 is in India & Bangladesh. We can see how India is hosting two 50-ball tournaments back to back. We can completely understand that in India, crowds would be jam-packed, which makes the atmosphere electric when any nation is playing, but if we look at this as a cricket fan, the richest board is getting undue or we can say deliberate advantage. India already hosted the ICC ODI WC 2023, which was a grand commercial success for the Indian economy of 11,637 Crores.
It’s quite unlikely that cricketers will go with WCA, as by playing for franchise leagues, they will get recognition and money. During SA20 League, ILT20 league, BPL , some players leave the tournament in the middle and play in different leagues in different continents due to commitments and WCA wanted to have some balance for players and it seems it would remain as it is.
That day won’t be far away when the richest board takes more than 50% revenue share, given the rising Indian market who are passionate about cricket across all parts of the world. ICC needs to work for the betterment of the sport. European countries don’t watch & are also not that familiar with cricket much, the game needs expansion. We love Indian cricket, and only time will tell if cricket becomes a global sport like football, with new nations not only competing but winning ICC trophies or it will be India, England or Australia or others winning.
Also Read:Â ICC WTC 2023-25 Final: WCA Report Raises Serious Questions On Scheduling Of International Cricket- Reports