Heath Mills honoured with Tim May Medal in London

Former New Zealand Cricket Players Association Chief Executive Heath Mills has been recognised on the global stage, receiving the Tim May Medal in London last week for his outstanding contribution to the players’ association movement in cricket.

The award is one of the World Cricketers’ Association’s most significant honours and recognises individuals who have provided exceptional service to collective player representation. For Mills, the recognition marks another milestone in a career defined by advocacy, innovation and a deep commitment to improving the lives and careers of cricketers in New Zealand and around the world.

Mills stepped down as Chief Executive of the NZCPA in June after more than 25 years of service to New Zealand’s professional cricketers. Having helped establish the organisation in 2001, he led its growth from a new player body into one of the most respected players’ associations in world cricket.

During his time with the NZCPA, Mills helped drive major progress for players, including collective agreements, the Personal Development Programme, the NZCPA Retirement Fund, the Cricketers’ Trust and the Cricket Players’ Property Trust. He was also a strong advocate for the women’s game and played an important role in the professionalisation of women’s cricket in New Zealand, including the move to bring men’s and women’s professional cricketers under a single Master Agreement.

His influence has extended well beyond New Zealand. Mills is the current Chair of the World Cricketers’ Association, the global body representing players through domestic players’ associations across the majority of top cricket-playing countries. In that role, he has continued to contribute to the global player movement at a time of significant change across international and franchise cricket.

The Tim May Medal was established by the WCA Board in 2024 as a discretionary award for outstanding service to the players’ association movement in cricket. It is named after former Australian off-spinner Tim May, who was instrumental in forming the Australian Cricketers’ Association as its first Chief Executive and later became the first full-time Chief Executive of the global players’ body, then known as FICA.

May’s work helped lay the foundations for collective player representation in cricket, including improved player terms, revenue sharing, personal development support and a stronger voice for players in decisions affecting the global game. The inaugural medals were awarded in 2024 to Tim May and Richard Bevan OBE, recognising their central roles in establishing and growing the international players’ association movement.

Mills was recognised alongside Tony Irish, whose own contribution to the players’ association movement has been significant. Through his work in South Africa and across the international game, Irish has been a key figure in advancing organised player representation and strengthening the voice of cricketers in global decision-making.

From left to right - Inaugural Tim May Medal recipient Richard Bevan OBE with 2026 recipients Heath Mills and Tony Irish

For Mills, the honour places him among a small group of leaders recognised for shaping the modern player advocacy landscape. It also acknowledges the legacy he has built through the NZCPA and his ongoing contribution to the WCA.

For cricket in New Zealand, the honour is a proud moment and a fitting recognition of a leader whose work has helped ensure players are better supported, better represented and better equipped for life during and after the game.

Recipients of the Tim May Medal

2024    Tim May, Richard Bevan OBE

2026    Heath Mills, Tony Irish