Feb 29

FICA Newsletter March 2024

Dear players and players’ association staff, please see below updates on some of the live issues we are working on for players at global level. Thanks for your ongoing support of FICA.

Global Player News

FICA / ICC Negotiations - ICC Events 2024 Onwards  

Update

We are currently in the final stages of negotiating with the ICC with respect to player terms and protections covering the next 4 years of ICC Events. The negotiation is critical for current and future generations of players and we have worked closely with your players’ associations on it over the last two years. Whilst we are still making progress - no agreement has been reached yet between FICA and ICC - there are several issues still to be finalised with respect to prize money, Squad Terms, and an MOU between FICA and ICC that will protect players.

More than 500 of the world’s best players (all the FICA international players) have already exclusively signed certain commercial / image rights to FICA GPR for this cycle of ICC Events. This means the ICC must complete an agreement with FICA in order to legally utilise these rights for the Men’s T20 World Cup and beyond.We are currently finalising next steps for if we are unable to reach agreement with the ICC over the coming weeks.  

Current advice to players

For players competing in the Men’s T20 World Cup, if you or your agent are asked to do something for the Event (i.e. content, appearance, use of image), or to sign Squad Terms - please check with your players’ association or FICA before doing so. 

Further information

​We will continue to give updates via your Players’ Associations and the FICA Player Advisory Groups. If you would like any further information please contact your association, PAG member, or FICA.

To access more information about what we are fighting for,click the button below.

FICA Leagues Hub Launch

The global domestic leagues landscape continues to grow and evolve, presenting an increasing number of opportunities for men’s and women’s professional cricketers. While this has generally been positive for players and the game, a lack of regulation and structure has resulted in a range of inconsistencies leading to this landscape being considered by many as the “Wild West” of cricket.
FICA has spent 6 months conducting a comprehensive review of all current major men’s and women’s domestic leagues globally, summarising the most relevant information in the newly created Leagues Hub. The Leagues Hub is designed to better inform players, agents and players’ associations, raise league professionalism, and improve the consistency and treatment of players. 

For further information please click the button below.

FICA Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Code

Every cricketer is entitled to equality of opportunity, to a working environment free from discrimination, and has a duty to respect the rights of others involved in the game. 

The FICA Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Code has been developed in conjunction with players and players’ associations as a resource for all international players.

It provides guidance on expected behaviours, and is a triage support resource to ensure players have independent, confidential advice to find the right place to go to resolve any concerns in this space.

Steph Bond Appointed FICA Legal and Policy Manager 

We are pleased to announce that Steph Bond has been appointed as FICA’s Legal and Policy Manager following an extensive process led by our appointment panel and external recruiters.

Steph joins FICA from her previous role as Legal Counsel at the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association, having previously worked as a solicitor at Russell McVeagh and Maria Clarke Lawyers, working across sport, litigation, dispute resolution and IP. 
 
Steph is a former netball player and played in the ANZ Championship representing the Northern Mystics. Steph will be employed on a part-time basis as she will maintain her role as the Executive Manager of the New Zealand Netball Players’ Association.

Survey

FICA Global Player Survey

The FICA Global Player Survey is conducted every two years and provides an opportunity for players to have their say. It is the most comprehensive player feedback tool in the global game. 

The data captured allows FICA to accurately advocate for players on key global issues, guided by evidence.This survey also has a strong player development / welfare focus to ensure FICA and its member players' associations are best set up to support you in this area. This is your opportunity to share your views on key issues that affect you and the game globally.

 8-9min |  Survey is anonymous |  Open until 29 March

Canadian Players Join FICA’s Commercial Program

We are pleased to confirm that Canadian national players have joined FICA’s commercial program.

The players from 13 of the top 17 countries in the world are now affiliated to FICA.

Every new group strengthens our global collective and our ability to achieve outcomes for players and their associations globally.

T20 Player index

Ellyse Perry has returned to the top of the Women’s T20 Player Index for the first time in over four years.

The Australian allrounder, who last topped the charts in November 2019, has climbed 10 places following strong performances for Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League. In the WPL, she won the orange cap as the competition’s leading run-scorer (347 runs) and took seven wickets to help the RCB franchise lift their first men’s or women’s silverware.

Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga remains at the top of the men’s T20 Player Index. The Sri Lankan has a narrow advantage over fellow legspinner Rashid Khan with England T20 captain Jos Buttler in third position.