James Harris
JH Better By Design
The PCA Chair on the prospect of an exciting summer.
For the first time in three years, we head into the domestic season with the prospect of capacity crowds from ball one. If that’s not something to get excited about, then I don’t know what is. Halfway through my two-year term as PCA Chair, the future is looking very bright. I certainly think the PCA is in the best shape it has been since I took on the role. In fact, I would go as far to say that the service offered by the PCA in 2022 is the best it has been since I turned professional over 15 years ago. A lot of this is down to the input of the PCA Players’ Committee, and one of the highlights of my winter was gathering the views of the players at both the PCA Summit and the AGM, both of which were my first as Chair of the organisation. We had some really productive conversations on crucial topics including equality, diversity and inclusion, the implementation of the Futures Fund and the structure of domestic cricket in England and Wales. The players have certainly led the way on the latter, and I know there’s a lot of excitement around the return to a two-division County Championship structure, starting this season. This is just one aspect of what looks to be a very exciting summer. We are also looking to build on the early success of The Hundred, and
we are very proud to have doubled women’s players’ salaries for the second edition of the tournament in 2022. A compelling international summer also awaits, as the England men’s side await visits from New Zealand, India and South Africa on top of their historic visit to the Netherlands, whilst England Women look forward to bilateral series against South Africa and India. There’s no doubt that professional cricket has faced two years of significant challenges, and I would urge all PCA members to recognise the importance of the work that we are doing on behalf of players and to engage with their Players’ Committee representatives. The health of our game depends on your support. All the very best for this season and beyond. Best wishes,
We are very proud to have doubled women’s players’ salaries for the second edition of the tournament in 2022. James Harris, PCA Chair
JAMES HARRIS
PCA Chair
THEPCA.CO.UK / 7
