The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing fresh scrutiny ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 after the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) raised strong objections to newly circulated squad participation terms governing name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. The dispute has surfaced even as the global body is already dealing with tensions linked to Bangladesh-related issues, adding to concerns over governance and player relations in the build-up to the marquee tournament.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the WCA has formally written to the ICC, claiming that the version of the squad participation terms sent to players does not align with an agreement jointly signed by both organisations in 2024. The players’ body has described the new terms as more “exploitative,” alleging that they significantly dilute player protections that were previously agreed upon. The ICC, however, has rejected the criticism, stating that the 2024 agreement applied only to eight member boards and not to all teams set to participate in the 2026 event.

The WCA disputes this interpretation, asserting that the 2024 agreement was meant to cover all players affiliated with the association, including those from nations not directly involved in the World Cup. As a result, the body argues that a single, uniform framework should govern player rights across the tournament, rather than separate terms for different groups. It has warned that a fragmented approach risks unfair treatment and creates uncertainty for players whose livelihoods depend heavily on ICC events.

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WCA chief executive Tom Moffat said there are major differences between the two versions of the agreement, particularly around content and media obligations, behind-the-scenes access, dressing room exposure, use of biological player data, licensing, NIL rights, player agreements, and dispute resolution mechanisms. He added that while the earlier agreement allowed players to negotiate and retain a degree of control, the revised terms transfer much of that authority to national cricket boards.

“The ICC terms provided significantly erode player rights and protections, especially around image and commercial use, compared to those agreed,” Moffat said. He also expressed concern that the most vulnerable playing groups were being asked to compete under less favourable conditions, despite ICC tournaments often representing their primary source of income and career progression. While reaffirming support for the growth of the game, the WCA stressed that such objectives must be pursued in partnership with players, urging the ICC to honour the originally agreed squad terms for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

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