Credit: ICC/WCA
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and World Cricketers Association (WCA) are heading towards the point of contention regarding player image licensing rights for a new mobile cricket game. In April 2025, ICC came up with their intention to develop a game to extract revenue. At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore in July, cricket’s apex-body also showed its gaming blueprint to its members. However, the biggest impediment in ICC’s road is players’ rights. In a recent development, WCA, the global players’ association, has called ICC’s move as the contravention of the agreement they had signed with ICC.
The player’s body also alleged that some of ICC members are striving to possess the players’ name, image and likeness (NIL) rights, which isn’t permitted as per the contract. Addressing more than 550 players who are associated with WCA, the distinguished players’ organisation warned them not to link themselves with ICC’s mobile game plans. "The ICC/national governing bodies are taking steps to develop a global mobile game built on your name, image, likeness (NIL), without agreeing to terms with players collectively. In short, it appears the ICC wants to use and sell your rights at the global level and doesn't want you and your colleagues to have a say collectively at the global level on how your rights are used, and how you get paid for them," read Tom Moffat’s email to players, the WCA CEO, as per ESPNcricinfo.
ICC’s approach direct attack on players, claimed Tom Moffat
Tom Moffat has asserted that ICC’s approach is a direct attack on players. "The ICC's current approach appears to be a direct attack on players. We/Winners have offered to work with the ICC and governing bodies on joint IP opportunities for over 18 months. The ICC have refused to meet with Winners," read another part of Moffat’s mail.
WCA is already established in the gaming sector. It has drawn a license with firms like Real Cricket in 2024. These partnerships have proven lucrative for players as they receive royalties for allowing the player’s body to utilise their names.
