WCA, ICC Clash Over Player Rights Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Cricketers’ body flags ‘exploitative’ squad terms on name, image and likeness rights

January 31, 2026: The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has raised strong objections to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over squad participation terms related to name, image and likeness (NIL) rights ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the WCA claims the ICC circulated a version of the terms to players that does not match an agreement signed by both bodies in 2024, describing the new version as more “exploitative.” The ICC, however, has rejected the criticism, stating that the 2024 agreement applied only to eight member boards and not all teams competing in the tournament.

The WCA has countered this claim, asserting that the 2024 agreement clearly stated it would cover all players affiliated with the players’ body, including those from countries not participating in the World Cup. As a result, the association believes all players should be protected under the same framework. WCA CEO Tom Moffat highlighted significant differences between the two versions, particularly around media obligations, behind-the-scenes content, changing room access, biological player data, licensing, NIL rights, player agreements and dispute resolution.

Moffat said the revised terms substantially weaken player protections and shift decision-making power from players to their respective cricket boards. He expressed concern that more vulnerable playing groups were being subjected to different conditions despite participating in the same tournament, noting that ICC events are a key source of income and career growth for many players. While reaffirming support for the growth of global cricket, the WCA stressed that such progress should not come at the expense of player rights and expects the ICC to honour the originally agreed squad terms for the T20 World Cup.