ICC, WCA locked in dispute over player terms ahead of T20 World Cup

The ICC and the World Cricketers Association (WCA) are locked in a fresh dispute over player terms, including name, image and likeness (NIL) rights, ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, reports ESPNCricinfo.

The WCA has accused the ICC of distributing squad participation terms to players from several countries that differ from an agreement signed by both bodies in 2024. According to the WCA, the new version is significantly more exploitative and strips players of key protections.

In correspondence seen by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC rejected the claims, arguing that the 2024 agreement applies only to eight member boards, known as National Governing Boards (NGBs). These are Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland, who have replaced Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup. 

The ICC said the remaining 12 participating boards are not bound by the 2024 agreement. Of those, boards from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Oman and the UAE do not recognise the WCA. Italy, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Namibia, USA and Canada have player bodies but had not received squad terms as of January 15, with the WCA expecting them to receive the non-approved version.

In a follow-up response, the WCA said the 2024 agreement applies to all players affiliated with the association, regardless of whether their countries are competing in the tournament. It maintains the agreement is legally binding.

WCA CEO Tom Moffat highlighted differences across eight areas, including media appearances, dressing-room access, player data, licensing, NIL rights and dispute resolution. The WCA claims the ICC’s version allows commercial use of players’ NIL and data without player consent, with approval instead resting with national boards.

Moffat accused the ICC of removing agreed protections and targeting vulnerable and poorly paid players, some of whom are amateurs. He said the WCA does not wish to disrupt the World Cup but expects the ICC to honour the 2024 terms.

The ICC has yet to respond to the WCA’s latest correspondence and has been asked for comment.