| The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has concluded a landmark week of engagement in London, bringing together players’ association leaders and representatives from across the globe to advance the interests of cricketers and help to shape the future of the game. The gathering, which coincided with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, featured the WCA Board Meeting, advisory board meetings, player meetings with international teams, a two-day Global Player Development and Wellbeing Conference, the State of the Global Game stakeholder roundtable, culminating in the Tim May Medal Dinner. A key outcome of the Board meeting was confirmation that Heath Mills will continue as WCA Chair, in the newly established role of Independent Chair. This follows Mills’ recent resignation as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) after 26 years leading the organisation. The Board also welcomed Mithun Mohammed (Bangladesh) and Simon Porter (New Zealand) as directors. President Lisa Sthalekar acknowledged Mills’ ongoing contribution and welcomed the new board members. “We are pleased to welcome Mithun and Simon to the Board, and to have continuity as Heath becomes WCA’s first Independent Chair,” said Sthalekar. “The constitutional change that enables this also reflects the maturation of our organisation, and that WCA continues to draw on more than two decades of institutional and game knowledge over the next important phase for players and our sport. Cricket is entering a period of both enormous opportunity and challenges, and players have an important role to play in shaping what comes next.” Player Meetings The week included player meetings with all international teams represented by WCA at the Women’s World Cup (10 of the 12 competing teams). These focused on ensuring players are updated on ongoing and upcoming priorities, and that their views continue to drive WCA’s work on their behalf. State of the Game Roundtable The State of the Global Game roundtable brought together leading cricket media and stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the sport as it enters what many regard as its most consequential decade. Topics included global game structure, leadership, commercial growth and long-term sustainability. Global Player Development and Wellbeing Conference The two-day conference brought together player association representatives from around the world to share best practice and further develop WCA’s global player support programs. Discussions focused on strengthening personal and professional development opportunities for players, expanding access to player support services, including the global hardship fund, sharing practical initiatives across countries, and ensuring players are supported throughout every stage of their careers. Board and Other Meetings Across the board and advisory meetings, key priorities were progressed, along with presentations from the World Players’ Association following the recent World Players Summit, including on the adoption of International Labour Organization guidelines promoting fundamental principles and rights at work in professional sport. The guidance reinforces protections for professional athletes as workers, including rights to freedom of association and to organise, such as freely forming and joining a players’ association of their choice. Tim May Medal The week concluded with the presentation of the Tim May Medal at a dinner, honouring outstanding service to the cricketers’ association movement. Established by the WCA Board in 2024 and inaugurated in New York, when WCA founders Tim May and Richard Bevan OBE were named as the first recipients, the Tim May Medal recognises those who have made a lasting contribution to advancing the collective interests of players around the world. The 2026 recipients were Heath Mills and Tony Irish, recognised for their exceptional contribution to player representation and player rights over more than two decades. Mills has been one of the most influential figures in player representation in cricket, leading the NZCPA for 26 years and helping shape the growth of the global player movement through senior leadership roles with WCA. Irish has played a foundational role in the development of player representation both in South Africa and globally, helping establish and strengthen collective player advocacy structures while serving as one of the leading voices for player rights in international cricket. WCA CEO Tom Moffat reflected on the meetings, events of the week, and the dedication that defines both recipients of the awards. “It was terrific to have such a diverse group from around the world together this week, with players across 17 countries now affiliated to WCA. It was also great to meet with the players to listen to them and ensure we can continue to accurately represent their views and interests over the next phase. The players are united in their passion for the game and desire to collectively contribute to its direction.” “As Tim May Medal recipients, Heath and Tony embody what this movement is about. This is more than just a job, and no more so than for these two. The players’ association world demands leadership, tenacity, sacrifice and commitment that goes well beyond what you’d find elsewhere, and whilst I know personal accolades sit uncomfortably with both of them, Heath and Tony have given that, unreservedly, for more than two decades to the players, and the sport more broadly. On behalf of everyone who has benefited as a result of advancements made from their tireless contribution, we thank you.” For media enquiries please contact Rebecca Chitty, +61411 407 776 or media@theworldca.com -ENDS--MORE- WCA has a representative presence across 17 of the world’s leading cricket nations, with more than 735 current international players participating in WCA’s Global Player Rights Program. To learn more please visit www.theworldca.com  |
