LONDON: The World Cricketers’ Association has launched a ground-breaking review into the sport’s “broken and unsustainable” schedule.
The players’ union, formerly known as FICA, plan to put forward a solution that allows international cricket and domestic leagues to “co-exist in a clear, coherent calendar” for all.”
Former England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison and ex-Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir are part of a six-strong panel who will work with independent consultants on the review.
They will produce recommendations to the WCA board after conferring with players, administrators, team owners and broadcasters.
“The current model is broken and unsustainable,” a WCA statement said on Monday.
“Confusing and chaotic global scheduling with no clarity on the interplay between international cricket and the domestic leagues means players are increasingly forced to choose between representing their country and optimizing their careers.”
“Change is badly needed to create ongoing clarity, and value, for players, boards and fans alike.”
WCA chair Heath Mills added: “We are fortunate that cricket is spoilt for choice and has three core formats across both the international game and domestic leagues.
“To date, the game’s leadership has collectively failed to come together to establish a clear and coherent global structure in which they can co-exist. We have virtually given up hope of it doing so.”
Research by the Professional Cricketers’ Association in May found 81 percent of players had concerns about the physical toll of the domestic fixture list with little time for proper rest and recovery.
A 2022 high-performance review by the ECB recommended cutting the amount of domestic cricket, but the proposals were rejected by English county teams.
Former England captain Joe Root recently said: “It is apparent the schedule needs to change to see long-lasting benefits for English cricket.”
Ex-Pakistan cricketer Sana Mir part of union to review sport’s ‘broken’ structure
https://arab.news/2fe56
Ex-Pakistan cricketer Sana Mir part of union to review sport’s ‘broken’ structure
- Union says aims to find solution that allows international, domestic leagues to co-exist in “clear, coherent calendar”
- Six-strong panel will work with independent consultants, present recommendations to World Cricketers’ Association
Putin calls Russia’s ties with Pakistan ‘mutually beneficial’
- The Russian President mentions the ties as Pakistan’s new envoy presents his credentials in Moscow
- Pakistan and Russia have strengthened relations in recent years, expanding cooperation in key sectors
ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin has described relations with Pakistan as “mutually beneficial,” according to a social media post by his country’s embassy in Pakistan on Friday, as he met newly appointed Pakistani ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi during a credentials ceremony in Moscow.
Pakistan and Russia have steadily strengthened bilateral ties in recent years while working to further expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy and connectivity.
“We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the largest regional organization in terms of economic, technological, and human potential,” Putin was quoted as saying in a post on X. “Russia
Pakistan relations are genuinely mutually beneficial.”
In recent years, Pakistan and Russia have pledged to deepen economic ties, explore barter trade and energy deals, and boost people-to-people contacts. High-level visits have also taken place between officials of both countries, highlighting interest in expanding cooperation in technology, agriculture and transport.
Last December, Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Russia and Pakistan were in talks on a potential oil-sector agreement.
Earlier, in May, Pakistan and Russia agreed to establish a steel mill in Karachi, aiming to boost bilateral ties and expand industrial collaboration.
The two countries are also working on the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline, a major infrastructure project aimed at transporting imported gas from Karachi to Punjab to help meet Pakistan’s energy needs.
In 2023, Pakistan and Russia also discussed a deal for the delivery of Russian crude to Pakistan, and talks have continued on broader energy partnerships.
