DUBAI: A fresh dispute has emerged between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) regarding player participation terms for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, centring on rights to name, image, and likeness (NIL).
The players’ body alleges the ICC has circulated a version of the squad terms that contradicts a previously agreed-upon 2024 agreement, putting several nations’ cricketers at a disadvantage.
Contested terms and legal interpretation
The WCA claims the terms recently distributed to players from numerous countries differ substantially from the 2024 document signed by both organisations.
WCA CEO Tom Moffat, in a memo to players, highlighted eight key areas of divergence, including media access, player data ownership, and crucially, commercial NIL rights. The core contention is that the 2024 agreement granted players significant control and negotiation power via the WCA, while the new ICC version vests authority with national boards, requiring players to license their NIL broadly.
The ICC, in its initial response to WCA’s concerns, asserted that the 2024 agreement was binding only for eight specific National Governing Boards (NGBs), including Australia, England, and New Zealand. It stated the remaining 12 participating nations, whose players are not all affiliated with the WCA, were not covered by that pact. The WCA has countered, arguing that the 2024 agreement was designed to protect all its affiliated players globally and is legally binding for them.
Major divergences highlighted
According to the WCA, the differences between the two documents are significant. Under the ICC’s new terms, players would be required to license their NIL to third parties, with approval resting solely with their national boards. In contrast, the 2024 agreement restricts NIL usage primarily to ICC partners and hosts, with the WCA authorized to negotiate on players’ behalf.
Similar disputes extend to player biological data, with the WCA stating the ICC’s version claims ownership, whereas the 2024 version recognizes player ownership and requires consent.
Moffat accused the ICC and member boards of attempting to “exploit the most vulnerable, and worst paid player groups,” some of whom are amateur, by presenting these altered terms. He emphasized that the WCA did not seek to disrupt the World Cup but was “deeply concerned” by the erosion of agreed-upon rights.
Call for honour of previous agreement
The WCA has called for the ICC to honour the 2024 agreement for all its affiliated players. “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,” Moffat stated. He stressed that growing the game should be pursued in partnership with players, not at their expense, especially when tournament participation is a primary income source for many.
The ICC has not yet publicly commented on the WCA’s follow-up communication sent earlier this week, as the two bodies seek a resolution ahead of the 20-team tournament.
