The Professional Cricketers’ Association has announced a collective player agreement that has seen all county players agree a support package to protect the domestic game. Discussions between the PCA, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and 18 first class county clubs reached a conclusion with all parties supporting an initial two-month agreement that will see maximum reductions to player salaries and relinquishing of domestic prize money. The agreement for an initial period of April and May will see players agree to being furloughed by their county, if requested, and also taking a reduction in their remuneration in order to be consistent with reductions that have been made to other non-playing staff at their county. The PCA have also relinquished £1 million of the domestic player prize money for 2020 with the ECB reallocating this towards assisting counties in the implementation of the new 2020-2024 County Partnership Agreement. The reallocated funds will support the introduction of standardised player contracts across the game, in turn providing vital financial support to players who leave the game in 2020 and beyond.
PCA Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic will continue to put financial pressure on the game and this initial two-month agreement will support the game for the period of April and May. We were due to start the County Championship season on Sunday and sadly for us all that will not be the case. As a group of players, we will do everything we can to ensure that when cricket does return the sport is in a position to thrive.”
The collective agreement for county professionals follows England men’s players, through the Team England Player Partnership, donating an initial £500,000 to the ECB and selected good causes and England women’s players, through England Women’s Player Partnership, volunteering a salary reduction in line with their coaches and support staff.
