CADDICK AND PALS CAN’T GET A GAME

The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) have been championing what they have achieved for their players in the new County Partnership Agreement, including a new minimum wage of £27,500, but there is less scope for earnings for ex-players. According to their website, they have only nine PCA Masters matches against club sides this season — compared to the 14 played in 2018 and 16 in 2017. The players’ union charges clubs £10,500 to put on a match which is used to help fund PCA ambassadors, some of whom get five-figure sums for their appearances and for attending other events throughout the year. In contrast, the Lashings World XI, cricket’s harlem Globetrotters, have 15 matches listed for this summer and some of the PCA Masters squad for this season, including Andrew Caddick, John emburey, Adam hollioake, Saj Mahmood and Ryan Sidebottom, have also played for Lashings, suggesting ex-players are now looking elsewhere. PCA insiders insist it is business as usual, and say 25 conversations are ongoing with clubs and schools with regards to events for 2020.