WCA concerned for vulnerable teams at upcoming World Cup

Around 90 players, mostly from more vulnerable teams, could have their rights and protections "eroded" during the T20 World Cup. Issues range from being required to participate in an unlimited number of content or media sessions to players having no say on licensing agreements, with their national boards holding complete authority to sign on their behalf.

These concerns are part of a memo sent by the World Cricketers Association (WCA) to at least half-a-dozen of its signatories, who allegedly received a set of non-approved "squad terms" from the ICC ahead of the 20-team tournament starting in February. The memo details discrepancies between the terms in the "ICC version" sent to teams including the USA, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The memo states: "The circulation of the non-approved version of the Squad Terms appears to be an attempt by the ICC and certain National Governing Bodies to exploit the most vulnerable, and worst paid player groups at this World Cup… and claim an almost unlimited ability to use and commercialise it with third parties without your consent, with the only recourse to an in-house dispute resolution process run by the ICC itself."

"Squad terms" refer to the legal contract signed by each player outlining the terms and conditions for ICC Events. The WCA's concerns also stem from the ICC's version "deliberately" removing checks and balances on dispute resolution processes available under the legitimate WCA-approved terms. With Scotland's late inclusion, 14 WCA-affiliated countries will participate in the T20 World Cup. The association's biggest worry is that safeguard measures from their negotiations with the ICC could be compromised.

Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive, said: "The WCA supports the growth of the game and ICC events, but these objectives should be pursued in partnership with players, not at their expense. For many players affected, participation in ICC Events represents a primary source of income and career progression."

The WCA memo notes that some teams receiving the ICC version were asked to sign immediately. The issue has now been resolved from the WCA's end, with expectations for their representatives at the T20 World Cup to retain greater control over their rights, including commercial use of their image.

Moffat explained: "The agreed Squad Terms have now been signed by impacted WCA players, and our expectation is for these terms to be honoured by the ICC for the T20 World Cup."

The memo suggests non-WCA approved terms were sent to teams outside the WCA's remit, like India and Pakistan. While longstanding WCA members such as Australia, England, and New Zealand received the correct version, newer signees may have been compromised.

It states: "It is especially concerning that it is the most vulnerable playing groups who appear to have been targeted and expected to compete under different terms and conditions to other playing groups participating in the same Men's T20 World Cup."

Key differences between the two versions include:

• Content Access: The WCA-approved model allows filming in changing rooms only for winning teams, subject to captain approval. The ICC version grants "reasonable access" to all changing rooms post-match, requiring only team manager approval.
• Behind-the-Scenes Content: The ICC model permits broader use of team activity content for event documentaries. The WCA version requires player agreement and payment for such licensed products.
• Data Ownership: The WCA model ensures players own their data, with consent required for use. The ICC version gives full ownership to the governing body, allowing commercialization via agreements with national boards.
• Contract Duration: The ICC version deems players to have accepted terms by participating in an event, regardless of signing. The WCA version requires each player to sign a contract per event.

Moffat summarized: "The WCA version is a more balanced process where players have more say and the process is independent."