ICC faces backlash from cricketers

The International Cricket Council, ICC, already facing criticism over the Bangladesh issue, has landed in fresh controversy just ahead of the T20 World Cup. The World Cricketers’ Association, WCA, has now entered into direct conflict with the global cricket governing body over terms related to the use of players’ names, images and identities.

According to a report by Cricinfo, the WCA alleged that the ‘squad participation terms’ sent by the ICC for the upcoming World Cup contradict an agreement signed between the two parties in 2024. The organisation has termed the new conditions ‘exploitative’ and informed the ICC of its concerns in writing.

The ICC rejected the allegations, saying the 2024 agreement applied only to eight specific member boards and is not effective for all teams participating in this World Cup. In response, the WCA argued that the earlier agreement clearly stated that all cricketers affiliated with the players’ body would receive protection under that deal. Therefore, all players participating in the World Cup are entitled to those legal safeguards.

WCA chief executive Tom Moffat expressed deep concern over the new terms. He said the ICC’s revised conditions severely undermine players’ commercial rights and protections compared with the previously agreed deal.

The WCA raised objections over issues including content and media presence, behind-the-scenes video recording, dressing room access, players’ biometric data and licensing matters. Moffat further alleged that while major teams receive better benefits in the same tournament, vulnerable and lower-income players are being forced to play under stricter and different conditions, even though ICC events are the primary source of income for many cricketers.

The WCA clarified that it is not against the development of cricket or ICC events. However, it said those goals must be achieved through partnership with players. The organisation claimed that concerned players have already signed previously agreed squad terms and urged the ICC to enforce those earlier conditions for the World Cup.