Photo: Firoz Ahmed
Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) President Lisa Sthalekar, who is the first woman to have assumed the role, made a visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) on Tuesday.
The former Australia captain discussed several issues regarding the role of FICA and its stand in regarding franchise cricket and international cricket. Below are the excerpts of a press conference that she attended at a city hotel on the same day.
Bangladesh tour
“It is a short tour. It has allowed for conversations to happen. I was understanding how the structure of cricket is. Where your talent comes from. It is certainly an area that I don’t know that’s why I am a bit of a sponge in this trip. I am listening and trying to get a better understanding of Bangladesh cricket from the grassroots right up to the high-performance level.
Archer situation: Franchise v cricket boards
“FICA’s position is that we all see the benefit of T20 cricket. We understand players have a small window to maximize their earnings. A lot of our players are enjoying playing bilateral cricket, ICC events and the T20 leagues. We understand that the men’s calendar is getting quite big. We are urging the ICC and national boards to come together because it is not a solution that can be solved straight away. Certainly, the players would like to play a role in that, to see if there’s a way forward for everyone to have their cake and eat it as well.
Challenge for FICA
“The challenge is not for FICA, it is the national boards wanting to keep their players to play for the country. Ideally, we want a strong competition internationally where countries want their best players to play against each other. We are seeing a number of leagues come up, which clashes with bilateral cricket. Men’s calendar is getting pretty full. We are working with the ICC. We are happy to work with the national boards. We represent a big proportion of players that travel around the world. We want to make their decisions easier so that they don’t have to choose one or the other.
“At the end of the day, FICA is run by the players. We are the voice of the players. Our job is to assist them in any way, shape or form. Whether they are currently in the system, or past players. A big part of what players associations do is actually working with past players, ones who are in financial hardship or have medical. I don’t think it affects us. We are still looking after the players. Where they play, isn’t really up to us. We are not in control of the calendar or competitions.
ICC and national boards not moving on this quickly
“The game is changing at a rapid rate. These conversations have been happening for a while behind closed doors, obviously. We are getting to a point where things may break. I know that the ICC is speaking to the national boards. We are speaking to the ICC as well. We have to wait and see how that happens.
Meeting Bangladesh women players
“I will be meeting Jahanara Alam and (Nigar Sultana) Joty afterwards. I messaged Jahanara. I get to see the players when I am commentating in ICC events. It will be nice to sit next to each other in her home country, and speak to them about their rise and inclusion in the ICC Women’s Championship. It will be a huge step forward for them.
CWAB v BCB: Conflict of interest
“Ideally, we have seen historically that independent (boards have worked. But certainly one size doesn’t fit all. You firstly have to get the right people involved. As long as there’s transparency and openness, and willingness to work together, it is the most important thing. In the end, the players’ association and national boards are working for the same outcome: to grow the game. If you have the right people involved, it shouldn’t necessarily matter. Ideally you want independent boards but that’s not always possible.
Growth of Women’s cricket
“People have been crying out for the WPL for a long time. It was very successful. The appetite was great. Crowds came in, the broadcast numbers were excellent. Great thing is that female players can earn a decent living playing the game. When I was playing (I retired 10 years ago), I had to have a full-time job. It is no longer the case for a lot of cricketers. Obviously, there’s still a long way to go. Ideally we would like to see the women’s calendar fit in T20 leagues, bilaterals and ICC events so that players don’t have to choose one or the other. We can learn some lessons from the men’s calendar. We have to nip things in the bud before it gets too big.
“We want the players to be looked after. We want the players to be able to earn a living. We want the game to grow. T20 franchises, obviously the WPL, is important to that.
CWAB
“FICA always helps and assists new players associations in their growth and development. It is a journey. Ideally, we have some wonderful players associations like PCA, SACA and ACA who have led the way. They have shown how effective players associations can be. They have shown how they can have an impact on not only the players but in helping run the game. CWAB is still on that journey, and that’s one of the reasons why I am here. To learn a little bit more, and help and support as an organisation.
