The PCA devised and launched the MVPs - a statistic that for the first time combines all aspects of a player’s game and gives him a ranking in relation to his peers.

The MVPs are unique in sports statistics - an evaluation of the players, designed by the players. It is their game, it is their statistic.

MVP (Most Valuable Player) is a core concept in American sport and with these new player rankings, MVPs will now become integrated into the fabric of English cricket.

A player’s overall individual performance

In 2006, the PCA undertook an extensive review of all player-performance related statistics in the game. Results highlighted that cricket statistics are:

• Too focused on individual elements of the game – averages, run rates, wickets taken
• Not clear and not relevant to all cricket –ICC rankings and other international stats
• Not reflective of a player’s total contribution to his team

Cricket is a game that requires players to be skilled at multiple disciplines. To take wickets, to score runs, to take catches, to affect run outs. The value to a side of a genuine all-rounder cannot be underestimated.

The MVPs are calculated by combining a player’s overall individual performance.

Current, past first-class and international cricketers have been involved at every step of the design process. MVPs are truly reflective of the players’ view of the game.

The Formula

MVPs use a cumulative points system that rewards players for every run scored, every wicket taken and every catch held – and, how well they do it.

A player achieves bonus points based in certain criteria. An overview of the formula is set out below:

Batting + Bowling + Fielding + Captaincy + Winning = Total MVP points

Batting:

The basis of the batting points are: runs scored + percentage of the team’s total. Batting bonus points are achieved for:

- Reaching a century
- Achieving a benchmark run-rate (varies per tournament, i.e. 1.5 runs per ball in the Twenty20)
- Scoring over 40 per cent of a team’s runs

Bowling:

The basis for the bowling points are: number of wickets + batsmen wicket points – economy

Bowlers achieve higher points for getting out higher order batsmen. Bowling bonus points are achieved for:

- Achieving a benchmark economy rate (varies per tournament, i.e. less that 5 runs per over in Twenty20
- Taking 5 or more wickets in an inning
- Bowling maidens

Fielding:

Points are accumulated for:

- Catches
- Run outs – direct hits
- Run outs – assists
- Stumpings
- Bonus for 5 fielding dismissals in an innings

Captaincy:

A captain of a winning side will receive a points bonus

Winning teams:

All members of a winning team receive a points bonus.