The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has initiated a comprehensive review into the sport’s “broken and unsustainable” scheduling system, as reported by AFP. The review aims to address the current issues surrounding international and domestic cricket calendars and propose a solution that allows both to coexist in a more organized and coherent manner.
The WCA, previously known as the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), has assembled a six-member panel to lead the review. This panel includes notable figures such as former England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Tom Harrison and ex-Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir. They will collaborate with independent consultants to assess the existing structure and develop recommendations for the WCA board.
The need for this review has been underscored by growing concerns over the current scheduling model, which many believe is increasingly chaotic and confusing. A WCA statement released on Monday highlighted the core issues: “The current model is broken and unsustainable. Confusing and chaotic global scheduling with no clarity on the interplay between international cricket and the domestic leagues means players are increasingly forced to choose between representing their country and optimizing their careers.”
The review comes at a time when players, administrators, team owners, and broadcasters are grappling with a cluttered calendar that often pits international commitments against domestic league opportunities. This has led to a situation where players face difficult choices and often have to juggle multiple responsibilities, impacting their performance and well-being.
WCA chair Heath Mills emphasized the importance of creating a clear and coherent global structure for cricket. He noted, “We are fortunate that cricket is spoilt for choice and has three core formats across both the international game and domestic leagues. To date, the game’s leadership has collectively failed to come together to establish a clear and coherent global structure in which they can co-exist. We have virtually given up hope of it doing so.”
This review is not the first attempt to address the scheduling issues in cricket. Research conducted by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) in May revealed that 81 percent of players were concerned about the physical toll of the domestic fixture list, citing insufficient time for proper rest and recovery. The findings indicate a pressing need for change to ensure the well-being of players and the sustainability of the sport.
Additionally, a 2022 high-performance review by the ECB recommended reducing the amount of domestic cricket to alleviate the burden on players. However, this proposal was met with resistance from English county teams, who were concerned about the potential impact on their competitions and revenue.
Former England captain Joe Root recently voiced his support for a revised schedule, stating, “It is apparent the schedule needs to change to see long-lasting benefits for English cricket.” Root’s comments reflect a broader consensus among players and stakeholders that the current system requires significant overhaul to balance international and domestic demands effectively.
The WCA’s review is expected to produce recommendations that address these issues and offer a more sustainable model for the sport. The panel will consult widely with various stakeholders to ensure that their proposals are practical and beneficial for all parties involved.
The WCA’s initiative to review and reform cricket’s scheduling system represents a crucial step towards addressing the sport’s current challenges. By creating a clearer and more coherent calendar, the aim is to enhance the experience for players, boards, and fans alike, ensuring the long-term health and success of cricket on a global scale.
