The World Cricketers Association has issued a statement about the current state of the game and has laid down some of the important decisions after their long six-month assessment of the game. WCA has issued its report to fix the current scenario of the cricket world and is ready to introduce the game changing moves to control the chaotic and confusing schedules.
After the long half-year review of the committee, WCA is set to roll out its recommendation, which dictates clear revenue distribution, better regulations for player movements, a clear, concise designated window for international cricket, and a lot more.
Need centralised calendar, more equitable revenue share: WCA report
The report was released on Wednesday and is based on interviews with 64 key stakeholders of the sport, including players, media partners, player associations, and Administrators of the game. The report proposed some noteworthy changes, which have been set to roll out for the 2028-2031 cycle, including a major change in the revenue model.
“As per the report’s revenue model, the changes will bring down the BCCI’s share in ICC from $231 million to $62 million reducing the BCCI’s share of the ICC’s revenues from nearly 40% as it is currently, to 10%. Currently, 50 per cent of all ICC revenue is distributed between the big three of BCCI, England Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia.”
Meanwhile, according to the report, 70 per cent of the global revenue is generated in three months across IPL and major ICC events, “where almost $1 billion is made each month” and the remaining nine months approximately account for $140 million per month with international games and T20 leagues overlap. They also generate 87 per cent of revenue from all bilateral internationals. Meanwhile, just two per cent of global revenue is distributed to countries ranked from 13-108.
The report proposes parameters and a recalibrated distribution model to fast-track global growth. “It would also reduce the significant burden on India to service the game by touring. Parameters to be implemented could include, for example, and in line with international precedents, a minimum 2% and maximum 10% for the top 24 countries, and a minimum 10% distribution collectively for countries 25+,” it read.
Proposing A 21-day Window to avoid conflicts, says WCA
Talking about Player schedules and regarding cricketing windows, WCA called the cricket schedule “chaotic and confusing” and in solution, has proposed a 21-day window option for core International Cricket and avoid the confusion and clash with the bilateral and other leagues.
WCA recommended an international cricket calendar with four 21-day protected windows, which will be dedicated to core international cricket, ensuring no league cricket occurs during this timeline. Teams will compete in divisions over two years, with each series including all formats leading to major ICC events, and outside this window, players can play in bilateral series.
The report also highlighted the international cricket schedule for 2028, suggesting key playing windows in February-March, May-June, September, and December. It also factors in major events like the T20 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Shaping the Leadership
The reports also talked about introducing an interim independent global leadership body that helps modernise the ICC, or bringing in promotion and relegation and multiple divisions in international cricket, and optimising the calendar to produce an extra USD 200 million-plus annually into the game’s economy.
