| The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) held its Annual Meeting in London this week. The meeting covered a range of global issues common to all professional cricketers around the world. The meeting was chaired by Executive Chairman Tony Irish, attended by the FICA Board, and a number of invited contributors including from the World Payers’ Association and Centre for Sport and Human Rights, and International Rugby Players. Key Appointments The FICA Board was pleased to appoint Vikram Solanki for a further term as President and Lisa Sthalekar for a further term as an independent Board Member of FICA. Commenting on the appointments, FICA Executive Chairman, Tony Irish, said: “Both Lisa and Vikram have contributed significantly to FICA and the global player cause, and will continue to play an important role moving forward. We look forward to their continued involvement.” Players and ICC Events The Board discussed the success of the ICC Men’s 50 Over World Cup and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup over the last 12 months, on the back of the players’ compelling performances. “It is clear that the players are playing an increasingly important role, not only on the field, but in the fan engagement strategies utilised by the ICC and Boards, to make such events a growing success both for fans and commercially. It is critical that players’ commercial rights are respected, and that players’ globally, both male and female, share in the success that they are central to driving, including in relation to prize money arrangements for ICC events. We will continue to work to ensure that players are educated on this now and in the lead-up to the next ICC events cycle” said Irish. Global Strategy for Cricket and Global Regulations The Board noted the slowing of progress on work at ICC level on a global strategy for cricket and fit for purpose global regulations for sanctioned cricket. “FICA remains of the view that the game should have a global strategy and common vision that all key stakeholders, including the players collectively, and their representatives, are part of developing, and can therefore support and buy into. We will continue to highlight key issues, and advocate for a balanced global structure for the game, that protects its history and international cricket, as well as promoting and supporting the development of the new domestic leagues landscape.” “A properly designed global playing schedule and global regulations are key aspects of this. This is not only important to protect the future of the game, but also the fundamental human and employment rights of players and others who work in the game” said Irish. FICA Membership & Minimum Standards Amendments to FICA’s Membership and Minimum Standards framework were approved by the Board, with a focus on ensuring players’ associations are representative of current players, and independent from relevant governing bodies. FICA Strategy The Board also discussed FICA’s strategy framework for the next four year period, including the need to ensure that FICA and its member players’ associations continue to cater for the direction in which the game is moving, and continue to be a strong voice for players globally. “Players are at the heart of all of FICA’s activities, but we also care about the health of the global game. FICA will continue to seek to first collaborate and work with key stakeholders in the game in a proactive way, but where appropriate we will also challenge, and shine a light on, key issues in order to effectively represent players and ensure that the game moves forward” said Irish. -ENDS- -MORE- The Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) is the global players’ representative body in cricket, protecting and promoting the interests of professional cricketers throughout the world. FICA was established in 1998 to co-ordinate the activities of all national players’ associations. FICA is a democratic player-driven organisation and it brings together the world’s cricketers, past and present, regardless of nationality, religion, political persuasion or race under an international body which focuses on matters that directly or indirectly affect the players, collectively and individually. FICA Structure President – Vikram Solanki Executive Chairman – Tony Irish Chief Operating Officer – Tom Moffat FICA Board Australian Cricketers’ Association – Alistair Nicholson Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh – Debabrata Paul Irish Cricketers’ Association – Cecelia Joyce New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association – Heath Mills Professional Cricketers’ Association (UK) – David Leatherdale Scottish Cricketers’ Association – Alasdair Evans South African Cricketers’ Association – Tony Irish Sri Lankan Cricketers’ Association – Ken De Alwis West Indies Players’ Association – Wavell Hinds Independent – Lisa Sthalekar For further information please contact media@thefica.com -FICA |
