The appointment comes as the PCA seeks to improve its relationship with the ECB after a trial period, which led the players’ union to suggest that the sense of “genuine collaboration” between the two parties had evaporated to late last year. Mitchell said in a statement that he will seek to build “closer working relationships” with the ECB and countries in his new role.
The PCA was particularly frustrated by what they described as “a serious lack of communication and consultation” in two policy areas late last year: the new stance on No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and the division of extra money into the fund salary of the Hundred. The county men’s schedule has been another long-standing pressure point between the two sides.
“I am delighted that the PCA players committee and board of directors have entrusted me with the direction of the association as executive director,” Mitchell said. “Representing players has been a key part of my life since I became a PCA representative in 2009.
“Evolution is the key to the future of our members and the PCA, and forging even stronger relationships with players is crucial to the future of our game. Being a cricketer in today’s world offers a wealth of opportunities , albeit with greater challenges and complexities than ever before for our members to navigate, both collectively and individually.”
Mitchell will work with a new president, with James Harris’ second term ending in February, while his previous position is now vacant. Harris was part of the interview panel for the chief executive recruitment process, alongside PCA president Eoin Morgan, and said Mitchell was “the standout candidate from a very strong field”.
