World Cricketers’ Association Proposes Changes to Cricket’s Structure and Governance

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has put forward a series of proposals aimed at reshaping the current cricket structure. After consulting with 64 players and other stakeholders, the WCA has compiled a report recommending significant changes to the sport’s existing framework.

The report suggests the formation of a new and clearer calendar for cricket, especially at the international level, upon the conclusion of the current cycle. One of the key recommendations is the establishment of fixed windows for both international cricket and league matches.

WCA has proposed that each year should have four 21-day windows dedicated to international cricket, with the remaining calendar being a “free window” allowing domestic leagues to operate without conflicting with international fixtures.

The report also highlights the growing trend of franchise cricket and its increasing dominance, urging that international cricket’s significance must be preserved even as the sport moves toward a club-versus-club format. The WCA has suggested that players should no longer be required to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their home boards to sign contracts with franchise teams. However, franchise teams will be obligated to release players for national duty during international windows.

Another proposal includes restructuring bilateral series to make them more meaningful. The WCA suggests that matches within each format be held based on a division structure. For Test cricket, the WCA recommends a two-year cycle in which 12 teams compete in two divisions—eight teams in Division One and four teams in Division Two.

The report further recommends that the World Test Championship be played between four teams, with each team required to play at least one match against every other team in their division.

Additionally, WCA has pointed out that there is a lack of balance in the competition structure between teams. It proposes greater transparency in the ICC’s revenue distribution, the creation of a central pool to support smaller teams, and a restructured international cricket body that operates independently and autonomously.

These proposals aim to enhance the competitiveness and fairness of international cricket while ensuring that the growth of franchise cricket does not overshadow the traditional formats of the game.