PCA Chief Executive Rob Lynch to Join MCC as Director of Cricket Operations

PCA Chief Executive Rob Lynch to Join MCC as Director of Cricket Operations

Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) chief executive Rob Lynch is set to depart his role in June to join MCC as director of cricket operations. Lynch, who represented New Zealand at the Under-19 World Cup in 2000, has been at the helm of the players’ union since October 2020.

During his tenure, Lynch has guided the PCA through the challenges of the pandemic and has been a vocal advocate for player welfare, criticizing the “unsustainable” domestic schedule. He also played a key role in addressing allegations of racism at Yorkshire, acknowledging the PCA’s shortcomings in supporting Azeem Rafiq.

Lynch’s departure will see Daryl Mitchell, currently COO at the PCA, take over as interim CEO. Lynch will join MCC in July, succeeding Jamie Cox, who is moving to Somerset as their new chief executive.

As director of cricket operations, Lynch will oversee MCC’s cricket departments and global role, including the guardianship of the Laws of Cricket and the MCC World Cricket Committee. He will also be responsible for matchday operations at Lord’s, starting with the first men’s Test match of the summer between England and West Indies on July 10.

MCC chief executive and secretary Guy Lavender praised Lynch’s experience and qualifications for the role, highlighting his deep understanding of the game both on and off the field. He also thanked Cox for his contributions to MCC, particularly in developing the club’s cricket strategy.

Lynch expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as PCA chief executive, emphasizing the strong financial position and growth of the women’s game during his tenure. He also acknowledged the importance of EDI initiatives and the dedication of the PCA staff.

Rahul Dravid Calls for Review of Domestic Cricket Scheduling

Rahul Dravid Calls for Review of Domestic Cricket Scheduling

Indian cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid has called for a comprehensive review of domestic cricket scheduling in India, following concerns raised by players like Shardul Thakur and R Sai Kishore. Thakur had expressed the need for more breaks between matches to prevent injuries, a sentiment echoed by Sai Kishore.

Dravid acknowledged the players’ concerns, emphasizing the importance of listening to those who are “going through the grind and putting their bodies on the line.” He suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) consult with players to address the issue.

“We need to hear the players. They are the ones going through the grind and putting their bodies on the line, and if there are enough voices saying that, then yeah, I think there’s some need to look at it, and see how we can manage our schedules,” Dravid said.

The coach also urged the BCCI to examine the scheduling of other competitions like the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy to reduce the pressure on cricketers.

“It’s a long season already in India. It’s tough,” Dravid said. “The Ranji Trophy is a long season, and if you add a Duleep and a Deodhar on top of that… Last year, if I’m not mistaken, the Duleep started in June, it was just a month after the IPL, and your problem in this situation is your best players, the guys who are pushing for selection for India, are the ones that end up playing the most cricket.”

Dravid suggested that some tournaments may need to be re-evaluated for their necessity in the current era.

“Maybe we need to re-look and see whether some of the tournaments that we are conducting are necessary in this day and age or if they are not necessary. There needs to be an all-round review [involving] coaches and players, especially the guys who are part of the domestic circuit,” he added.

Dravid Calls for Review of Domestic Cricket Schedule to Address Player Concerns

Dravid Calls for Review of Domestic Cricket Schedule to Address Player Concerns

Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has called for a comprehensive review of domestic cricket in India, particularly the Ranji Trophy. Dravid’s comments come in response to concerns raised by players, including Shardul Thakur, about the demanding schedule and its impact on player recovery.

The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class cricket tournament, has been criticized for its relentless schedule, with only three-day breaks between matches. This has led to concerns about player injuries and burnout. Dravid acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the need to listen to the players’ perspectives.

“We need to hear the players. They are the ones going through the grind and putting their bodies on the line,” Dravid said. “If there are enough voices saying that, then yeah, I think there’s some need to look at it, and see how we can manage our schedules.”

Dravid also highlighted the issue of top players being unavailable for their domestic teams due to clashes with India A tours. This has deprived state teams of their best players, further exacerbating the challenges of the demanding schedule.

“Your best players, the guys who are pushing for selection for India, are the ones that end up playing the most cricket,” Dravid said. “They are the ones who end up playing a lot of cricket, and you also want them to be playing for India and India A tours. So it can get quite tough on a lot of those boys.”

Dravid suggested that a comprehensive review involving coaches and players is necessary to address these issues. He questioned the necessity of certain tournaments and emphasized the need to prioritize player well-being.

“Maybe we need to relook and see whether some of the tournaments that we are conducting are necessary in this day and age or they are not necessary,” Dravid said. “There needs to be an all-round review [involving] coaches and players, especially the guys who are part of the domestic circuit.”

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