The Professional Cricketers’ Association has instructed players to decline contract offers for The Hundred’s upcoming season amid a significant disagreement with franchise owners regarding contract terms. The dispute centers on a controversial 12-month release clause included in three-year agreements being offered to direct signings.
Under the tournament’s revised structure, teams can secure four players directly before the main auction. However, the players’ union has raised serious concerns about contractual provisions that would allow franchises to terminate agreements after just one year while binding players to the same salary for the full three-year term, even following outstanding performances.
This contractual model, common in leagues without player representation, provides minimal job security and could leave athletes financially disadvantaged if their market value increases substantially after signing. The situation mirrors challenges faced by prominent international players in other competitions, where similar clauses have resulted in professionals being retained below their actual worth.
Although franchise budgets have increased for both men’s and women’s competitions, negotiations have stalled over these contractual terms. The impasse has already caused delays in player acquisitions, with several athletes refusing to sign under the current conditions.
Discussions continue between the players’ association and team owners, with potential compromises including performance-based salary increases that might offset the risks associated with release clauses. The resolution window is narrowing, with the direct-signing period scheduled to conclude in late January ahead of the inaugural auction next March.
