A groundbreaking investigation of the “broken and unsustainable” schedule of the sport has been initiated by the World Cricketers’ Association.
The players’ organization, formerly known as FICA, intends to present a strategy that for domestic leagues and international cricket to “co-exist in a clear, coherent calendar” for everyone.
A six-person panel led by former Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir and chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board Tom Harrison will collaborate with outside consultants on the study.
They will consult with players, coaches, team owners, and broadcasters before putting together proposals for the WCA board.
“The current model is broken and unsustainable,” a WCA statement said on Monday.
“Confusing and chaotic global scheduling with no clarity on the interplay between international cricket and the domestic leagues means players are increasingly forced to choose between representing their country and optimising their careers.”
“Change is badly needed to create ongoing clarity, and value, for players, boards and fans alike.”
WCA chair Heath Mills added: “We are fortunate that cricket is spoilt for choice and has three core formats across both the international game and domestic leagues.
“To date, the game’s leadership has collectively failed to come together to establish a clear and coherent global structure in which they can co-exist. We have virtually given up hope of it doing so.”
Eighty-one percent of players expressed concern about the physical toll of the domestic fixture calendar, which leaves little time for rest and recovery, according to research conducted in May by the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
English county teams rejected recommendations made by the ECB in its 2022 high-performance review to reduce domestic cricket.
According to recent comments made by former England captain Joe Root, “it is apparent the schedule needs to change to see long-lasting benefits for English cricket.”
