The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has reported receiving several accounts of boards withholding the T20 World Cup prize money from the players who participated in the events. Expressing its concerns on the reports, the WCA said it has been informed that the players who sought the dues to be paid have faced intimidation and threats from their respective boards.
At the Annual General Board meeting in Singapore this week, Tom Moffat, the WCA CEO, addressing these reports expressed the body’s concern with this non-payment and harassment reported by the players.
“We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men’s T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments.”
Moffat said the association expects the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take the required steps to ensure that the boards pay the dues to their players and to hold those accountable who do not comply.
“We appreciate the ICC’s efforts to date in ensuring the players involved are paid in full, and are certain the ICC will continue to take all appropriate steps against any Boards who do not do so, and to enforce their own Terms of Participation.”
“Every player in our sport should receive the benefits they are entitled to in full, and should be provided with a safe environment to play, work, and advocate for themselves and their colleagues off field, through a players’ association if they choose.” said the WCA Chief.
Reportedly, players from five nations from the twenty that participated in the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA in June this year, have not received the prize money partially or wholly.
In response to growing concerns regarding players’ welfare, the association approved the establishment of the Global Player Hardship Fund, to support the players who are not financially backed by domestic programs. JP Van Wyk, WCA’s Head of Welfare and Education, announced the formation of the fund during the meeting,
“Professional athletes face unique challenges in their short careers and we know through the great work that many players’ associations do at domestic level that tailored player welfare support structures have supported players in their time of need. We also know that in an increasingly global player employment market there are notable gaps in the current system in assisting players in extreme cases of hardship.”
As per the statement released by the WCA, this fund will complement any domestic offerings that the players receive due to its own constraints. The said fund will be managed by a surveillance board to ensure that the ‘vulnerable’ players get the necessary support.
“Although this fund will operate within certain constraints, and will complement domestic offerings, we are certain it is going to assist those current and recently retired international cricketers who are presently unsupported and vulnerable. Our commitment is to build on this groundwork and further enhance WCA’s Global Player Welfare and Education offerings for players’ associations and players.”
