Ahead of T20 World Cup, Ireland cricketers secure pay rise and new contracts

Good news for Irish cricket fans! After a period of negotiation, Cricket Ireland (CI) and the Irish Cricketers’ Association (ICA) have reached an agreement on player contracts, ensuring the national team heads into the T20 World Cup with peace of mind.

Previous stalemate averted

Last week, reports emerged that Irish players had rejected an initial offer from the board, potentially entering the T20 World Cup under the terms of their expiring February contracts.

Ireland cricketers secure new deals

Thankfully, a joint statement released by CI and ICA on Thursday confirmed a positive outcome. Players will receive revised contracts extending until the end of February 2025.

This signifies a significant step forward for Irish cricket.

Pay rise reflects player value for Ireland Cricket

Importantly, the new contracts come with a pay rise for the players. Warren Deutrom, CI’s chief executive, acknowledged the players’ contribution: “The players have received the biggest share of the new money in Irish cricket this year.”

Deutrom further emphasized the importance of balancing player compensation with the development of the sport at all levels: “We have done our best to reward players… without forgetting our duty to fund the rest of the sport.”

Positive negotiations despite delay

While the agreement took some time to finalize, both parties emphasized the positive nature of the discussions. Deutrom attributed the delay to budget approvals and the complexities of the new contract model. He assured fans that “we have been working very positively with the ICA.”

ICA president welcomes transparency

Cecelia Joyce, ICA president, highlighted the benefits for players: “Our members have been unified throughout this whole process, and the outcome is a significant one… It ensures greater transparency and clarity… for the next period.”

Official Announcement ahead of T20 World Cup?

Details regarding the specific terms of the MoU and individual player contracts are yet to be revealed. However, CI has promised to share this information “in due course.”

With this crucial agreement in place, Irish cricketers can now fully focus on their upcoming T20 World Cup campaign, aiming to bring glory to their nation.