ICC to recognise player associations

ICC recognises Player Associations
A more effective relationship between the International Cricket Council and Player Associations is set to emerge after the ICC Executive Board agreed to recognise the Federation of International Cricket Associations (FICA) and any other player association that is recognised by its home board. ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the decision now provides a more effective mechanism through which the ICC is able to consult with players and ensure that their views are properly represented within the ICC. "This decision builds on the other initiatives that the ICC has put in place over the past two years to ensure that the players' voice is heard in the decision-making process," said Mr Speed. "Along with the annual Captains Meeting and the restructuring of Cricket Committee - Playing to provide for greater player representation, this mechanism will help ensure that player views on issues that affect them are properly represented as decisions are made about international cricket." The decision establishes a formal consultation process with Player Associations on eight common player issues. The issues are:

• Playing Conditions (including the use of technology);
• Clothing and Equipment regulations;
• Anti-Doping Policy;
• Code of Conduct;
• Regulations pertaining to Illegal Bowling Actions;
• Regulations for Safety and Security;
• The structure/volume of cricket; and
• Player terms for future ICC events and revenue raising activities.

he proposal recognises - and the ICC and FICA are in agreement on this - that the issue of player payments is not a common issue and that this is a matter that will continue to be negotiated between each Board and its players. In the case of Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies and Zimbabwe, the consultation will be through the FICA, which has been authorized to act on behalf of the players of these countries. Where no Player Association exists or where one exists but it is not recognised by the Board, the ICC will continue to work through the Home Board. This will be the case in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. "Over the past two years there has been considerable effort applied to finding the most effective mechanism for the ICC and player associations to interact," said Mr Speed. "I believe that this proposal will allow the ICC and the players to work more effectively together in the overall interests of the game."

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