The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has unveiled a comprehensive proposal to restructure the international cricket calendar, aiming to balance the growing influence of franchise leagues with the survival of traditional formats. The plan, designed to protect international cricket and ensure fair competition, includes structured international windows and a divisional league system with promotion and relegation across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. A phased rollout is planned for 2028 in the men’s game and 2029 for women’s cricket.
At the heart of the proposal are four dedicated international windows each year where no T20 leagues would be allowed to operate. These windows, spread across different months, are intended to guarantee that national teams can field their best players without conflicting with domestic franchise commitments. The WCA believes that this structure would restore context to bilateral series and ensure that international cricket maintains its prestige.
In addition to scheduling reforms, the WCA is advocating for a multi-division system in all formats. Teams would compete within divisions over a two-year cycle, with promotion and relegation based on performance. This would not only bring a league-style competitiveness to bilateral cricket but also provide lower-ranked Full Members and Associate nations with a clear pathway to higher levels of the game. Every series would carry tangible stakes, feeding directly into qualification for World Cups and format-specific championships.
The proposal also addresses the financial imbalance in world cricket. The WCA has called for a more equitable distribution of ICC revenues, suggesting caps on the earnings of dominant boards and the creation of a centralized fund to support emerging nations. It also recommends forming a Global Game Leadership Committee with representation from players, boards, franchises, and independent stakeholders to oversee governance reforms and maintain transparency.
The WCA argues that without decisive changes, international cricket faces a future where Tests and bilateral series are marginalized by the financial pull of T20 leagues. The association has highlighted the increasing number of players forced to choose between national duty and lucrative franchise contracts, warning that the current model is “chaotic and unsustainable.” By enforcing protected windows and a structured calendar, the WCA aims to reduce these conflicts and preserve the integrity of international competition.
Players across different countries have shown support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for balance between formats and financial security for all levels of the game. The proposed timeline aligns with the expiration of several existing Future Tours Programme agreements and franchise contracts, making 2028 a realistic target for implementation.
If adopted, the WCA’s blueprint could redefine the sport’s structure. It promises not just to safeguard traditional formats but also to provide competitive context, create fairer opportunities for developing nations, and stabilize cricket’s global economy. However, achieving consensus among boards, franchises, and the ICC will be critical. The coming years will determine whether the sport takes this ambitious step toward a unified and sustainable future.