Thursday 27 February saw the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) hold its 2020 Annual General Meeting with the implementation of collective player agreements and the expansion of the women’s game headlining discussions.
The meeting, held at Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club, also provided a formal introduction of the new leadership within the PCA with Chief Executive, Tony Irish, and Commercial Director, Rob Lynch, present amongst PCA staff and 30 senior players.
The PCA Players’ Committee was presented with, and signed off, the 2019 financials, which saw increased money utilised for member benefits across areas such as insurance, legal, player personal development and welfare.
The Players’ Committee agreed a new role to support current Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, in the positions of two vice-chairs, to be filled by one male and one female player. Both vice-chair positions will be appointed as board directors of the PCA.
"Professional players in England and Wales are in a new and exciting era in both the men’s and women’s games."
TONY IRISH
With the expansion of the women’s game to include eight regional centres, 40 players within those regions will turn professional and become members of the PCA which will take current playing membership to over 500.
Also ratified were member subscriptions for players on full professional contracts increasing to reflect improved membership value.
PCA Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, said:
“As we prepare for the 2020 season the PCA AGM has been an important reminder to what is needed to be done by the players and the players association itself in terms of all the implementation of the new collective player agreements.
“The challenge and support received from the Players’ Committee over the past two years has been vital in achieving material benefits for all cricketers in England and Wales and now it is our job, as the PCA, to manage these agreements so the players are kept at the forefront of the game.
“I also look forward to welcoming two vice chairs on board shortly, given the way the game is growing and the responsibility of the Players’ Committee, I am sure this role will be a vital one for the future.”
PCA Chief Executive, Tony Irish, said:
“The PCA is entering a crucial 12 months after a prolonged period of negotiation across various collective player deals. Implementation of, and compliance with, all of the player arrangements that have been agreed will be a focus for us across the game.
“Professional players in England and Wales are in a new and exciting era in both the men’s and women’s games. We are delighted to be welcoming 40 new professional women players into our membership through the new regional structure.”
