ECB take over control of registering player agents from the PCA  

The ECB are taking control of registering players’ agents amidst increased fears of corruption due to the growth of lucrative franchise leagues around the world. 

The management of agents has been the responsibility of the Professional Cricketers’ Association, but the creation of new Twenty20 franchise leagues all over the world has led to an explosion in the numbers seeking to register and there are concerns that the players’ union lack the resources to run the system effectively.

The rapid growth of new Twenty20 leagues in recent years has created huge opportunities for players to increase their earning power, as well as the number and size of fees paid to agents. 

The ECB will take over from the PCA in registering player agents in cricket 

Players are able to command hundreds of thousands of pounds for just a few weeks work with their agents entitled to 10 per cent of their fees, which has led to increased competition amongst intermediaries to recruit players and a greater threat of malpractice. 

The number of new leagues continues to grow, with the United Arab Emirates T20 League, the Big Bash, the Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League and a new South African completion all due to take place at the start of next year.

The growth of T20 franchise leagues like the Vitality Blast (pictured) has led to a rise in player agents within the sport

Access to the industry for newcomers is remarkably straightforward, with aspiring agents only required to pay a fee of £240 without passing an exam.

In taking over the process the ECB will considering introducing higher barriers to entry as well as providing greater clarity by ensuring that the administration and regulation of agents is carried out by the same body.