FICA Calls on ICC to Address Systematic Contract Breaches in ICC Sanctioned Cricket

FICA has today released its Men’s Global Employment Report 2020. The Report, covering the 2018/19 (pre Covid-19) report period, is based on analysis of significant statistical data research, including qualitative and quantitative surveying of more than 277 current men’s professional and international players from all nine FICA member countries. 

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The Report follows FICA’s first men’s global employment report released in 2018 and provides an evidence based analysis of significant issues for players and the game at global level and across countries.
 
One of the key findings highlights ongoing systematic contract breaches and non-payment of players around the world in events regulated by the ICC or its members, with 32% of men’s players (34% of all players) having experienced late or non-payment issues. FICA is aware of recent late payment or non-payment issues in the following sanctioned leagues, many of which remain un-resolved:

1. Global T20 Canada;
2. Bangladesh Premier League;
3. Abu Dhabi T10;
4. Qatar T10;
5. Euro T20 Slam;
6. Masters Champions League.

 
These are in addition to recent issues in the international cricket framework in full ICC member countries, including Bangladesh players not being paid ICC event prize money, and Zimbabwean players, for example, not being paid contractual amounts.
 
FICA intends to continue to release its Men’s and Women’s Global Employment Reports bi-annually and will be releasing the next edition of its Women's Global Employment Report in the coming months.
 
CEO of FICA, Tom Moffat said:
“These reports continue to highlight key issues and act as a benchmark against which FICA will measure the shifting of the game’s professional player landscape and important employment and structural issues in the game.”
 
“Systematic contract breaches and non-payment of players are issues that urgently need addressing. The ICC has an obligation to protect people working within its regulatory frameworks and it’s time something was done about this issue.”
 
“We continue to urge decision makers to work with FICA at global level, and players’ associations at domestic level, to develop joint solutions to issues highlighted in these reports, many of which are likely to be exacerbated by the current global situation.”
 
Jason Holder said: 
"Players should be encouraged to speak up on big issues in sport and society. With strong leadership cricket can be a genuine force for good."

Aaron Finch said: 
"I would love to see the role of players' associations embraced across the whole cricket world. Player voice is important to protecting both players and the game. In my experience players care deeply about the game and want to ensure it's healthy and thriving."

Eoin Morgan said: 
“It’s essential the global cricket structure and leadership protects the history of the game and also its future. Domestic leagues and international cricket both have a really important place and there needs to be a balance between them."
 
William Porterfield said: 
“One of the things our eyes have been opened to since forming a players’ association is that players are often the ones left on the end of the line when leagues fall over or when clubs and leagues don’t honour commitments. We hope the ICC work with FICA to properly address this.”
 
To access a copy of the Report please CLICK HERE

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The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) was established in 1998 to co-ordinate the activities of all national players’ associations which protect the interests of professional cricketers throughout the world. It brings together the world’s cricketers, regardless of nationality, religion, political persuasion or race, under an international body focused on matters of general interest to the game and its players.

FICA Structure
President – Vikram Solanki
Executive Chairman – Tony Irish
Chief Executive Officer – Tom Moffat
 
FICA Board
Australian Cricketers’ Association – Alistair Nicholson
Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh - Debabrata Paul 
Irish Cricketers’ Association – Cecelia Joyce
New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association – Heath Mills
Professional Cricketers’ Association (UK) – Tony Irish
South African Cricketers’ Association – Andrew Breetzke
Sri Lankan Cricketers’ Association - Ken De Alwis 
West Indies Players’ Association – Wavell Hinds
Scottish Cricketers’ Association – Alasdair Evans
Independent – Lisa Sthalekar
 
FICA Player Advisory Groups
Australia – Aaron Finch, Alyssa Healy
England – Chris Woakes, Heather Knight
Ireland – William Porterfield, Mary Waldron
New Zealand – Ross Taylor, Amy Satterthwaite
South Africa – Faf du Plessis, Dane Van Niekerk
Scotland – Kyle Coetzer
Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara 
West Indies – Jason Holder, Hayley Matthews
 
For further information, please contact media@thefica.com