Player Stats Revolutionised By New PCA Rankings – 30/04/2007 With the launch of a new domestic season the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) has unveiled a brand new concept in player rankings. The PCA Player Rankings are based on a formula developed with input from past and present players. By comparing player performances in all four domestic competitions, they are significantly more meaningful than anything that has gone before. The rankings, which will identify the Most Valuable Player (MVP) across all domestic competitions within the professional game, is a cumulative points system that rewards every run scored, wicket taken and catch held. Unlike any other statistical tool, it also gives credit for captaincy and to winning teams. MVP, a concept associated with US sport, where the term is universally recognised, is therefore set to become one of English cricket’s key benchmarks. Richard Bevan, PCA group chief executive, said: ” We undertook an extensive review of all player performance statistics and found that they were too focussed on individual components of the game like averages and run rates. As a result, they didn’t take into account a players’ total contribution to their team – or whether the team actually won. ” Cricket requires players to be multi-skilled and the importance of all round talent cannot be underestimated. Everyone we consulted felt that new rankings were required to address these issues.” Former England captain, Alec Stewart, previewed the rankings and said: ” Averages don’t always tell the true story. These PCA player rankings will make for interesting and exciting discussion points.” Chris Buckley, chief executive of PA Sport, which has partnered with the PCA to develop the rankings, said: "PA Sport has been pleased to work with the PCA in the development of their new player rankings over the past few months. Cricket is a stats-centric game and we think a rankings system of players, designed by players, is a major new innovation. ” We feel confident that the Most Valuable Player concept will be a great new addition to how players are measured and how the game is reported. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the professional cricketers of England and Wales and wish them every success this season". The note to editors shows the formula by which the rankings are calculated. More information and up-to-date results can be found at www.thepca.co.uk/rankings.
