World Cricketers' Association Slams Global Cricket Structure as “Broken and Unsustainable”

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has taken a bold stand on the state of global cricket, calling the current structure and schedule "broken and unsustainable." In a move aimed at addressing long-standing issues, the WCA has announced a comprehensive review of cricket's global framework, criticizing the lack of clarity and coherence between international and domestic cricket.

Heath Mills, chair of the WCA, voiced strong discontent with the existing setup. “To date, the game's leadership has collectively failed to come together to establish a clear and coherent global structure for the game's main three formats. We have virtually given up hope of it doing so,” Mills said.

The WCA's review will be led by a committee comprising former players and notable figures from sports broadcasting and governance. Among them are Tom Harrison, the former chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Sana Mir, a celebrated Pakistani cricketer with over 200 international appearances. This diverse group will work alongside independent consultants to develop recommendations on several critical issues affecting both men’s and women’s professional cricket.

Key areas of concern for the WCA include the scheduling of international and domestic matches and the growing financial disparity between cricketing nations. The association highlights that many countries struggle with limited resources to invest in the development of the game, exacerbating inequalities in the sport.

Recent figures from the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) underscore the impact of the current scheduling on players' well-being. According to their report, 81% of members believe the existing schedule negatively affects physical health, while 62% are concerned about its mental toll. The findings echo broader concerns among players and stakeholders about the need for reform.

Former England men’s Test captain Joe Root also criticized the current scheduling in May, noting that many players feel it is detrimental to high-level performance. The ECB had previously conducted a high-performance review in 2022, which recommended reducing the volume of domestic cricket. However, these recommendations were met with resistance from county cricket clubs, highlighting the challenges of implementing structural changes.

The WCA's review aims to address these issues and provide actionable solutions to improve the global structure of cricket. With the sport facing significant challenges in balancing international commitments, domestic competitions, and player welfare, the review represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for cricket worldwide.

As the WCA embarks on this review, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see what changes may come and how they might reshape the landscape of the game.