World Cricketers Association to Launch Independent review of Cricket's Global Framework

The World Cricketers Association (WCA) has announced plans to initiate an independent review of cricket’s global framework, aiming to address issues related to the sport's demanding schedule.

WCA Chairman Heath Mills remarked, “It’s encouraging to see growing discussions about major issues within the global cricket structure that we’ve been highlighting for years. There is a unified call for change from players and their associations worldwide.” He continued, “While cricket offers a variety of formats at both international and domestic levels, the sport’s leadership has yet to create a coherent global framework where these formats can coexist effectively. We have largely lost hope that this will happen on its own.”

Mills emphasized the need for players to influence the game’s future and expressed the WCA’s intention to propose solutions. “The review process, led by independent experts, will focus on recommending improvements to the game’s global structure, aiming to enhance sustainability, clarity, and consistency for players, fans, and commercial partners.”

The review will be led by Mills along with notable figures including former Australian Cricketers’ Association chairman Paul Marsh, former pakistan women’s captain sana Mir, Independent WCA Board Member Tony Irish, ex-ECB CEO tom Harrison, Disney Star’s Head of sports Sanjog Gupta, and former FIFA director of Football Regulatory james Kitching.

This group will collaborate with independent consultants to evaluate and recommend changes to cricket’s global structure, including men’s and women’s games. The review will particularly examine ICC events, bilateral international cricket, and domestic leagues as key revenue sources that support the professional game and player career development.

The WCA highlighted that the report will focus on finding constructive solutions to existing issues, addressing three main areas: scheduling (especially the overlap between international and domestic cricket), economic aspects of the game, and player employment, contracts, and regulations.

“The current model is unsustainable—confusing and disorganized global scheduling without clear integration between international and domestic cricket forces players to choose between national duties and career opportunities,” the WCA stated. “The widening gap between cricketing nations and dependence on a few major contributors for funding limits the ability of most nations to invest in the sport’s development, leading to short-term decision-making.”

The WCA concluded that the absence of a clear global calendar hinders fair regulation and contract stability across cricket. “There is an urgent need for change to ensure ongoing clarity and value for players, boards, and fans,” the WCA said.