The dispute between Australia Cricketers’ Association and Cricket Australia has taken worst turnaround as the CA refused for any kind of negotiation.
The ACA and Cricket Australia are in a stalemate over the governing body’s push to overhaul a 20-year-old pay deal that ensures domestic and international players receive a 25-per-cent share of all revenue generated by ticket sales, sponsorship and broadcasting rights.Cricket Australia says all players will be better paid under the new deal, which promises massive salary increases for professional female players and more money for local clubs.
As the deadline has passed on 30th June and there has been no commencement, this possesses a threat to players ahead of the Champions Trophy and also a long summer season coming after that, especially the Ashes.
Kim Hughes, the former Australian captain, fears a rift between Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) continuing past the June 30 deadline would be catastrophic for the game and has urged the involved parties to get on with it.
CA told players that they won’t be paid from July 1, keeping their tour in Bangladesh and Ashes in shadows.
Kim Hughes said that such kind of act won’t be accepted well by fans and also boycotting of Ashes might fire back.
“The public won’t accept it if there is a boycott of players and the Ashes is at risk,” he said. “I think the public would turn on the players, CA and the sport itself. It just can’t go down that track and it will be unacceptable if there is no resolution.”
According to him, both the parties have their own arguments but their stubborn attitude is the main reason behind such delays.
“There seems to be a pigheadedness about it and it’s not a good look for cricket,” he said. “I can see the point of views from both sides, as the players want something fair and reasonable but there aren’t too many businesses around the world where you get 20-25 per cent of the revenue.”
However, Hughes dismissed links between the pay disputes. “Absolutely none,” he said.
“Stars like Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh were earning a pittance and there is just no comparison to what today’s players get paid. They (ACA and CA) need to get into a room and get on with it. The Australian team is on the cusp of a great era so we don’t need all of this.”
Also, the two times champion Australia are the favourites of the ongoing Champions Trophy which might also be a threat now. But Hughes feels that such issues won’t affect the players.
“The players will get on with the job but if we don’t do well (at the Champions Trophy) then you can bet the pay dispute will be blamed for being a distraction,” he said.
“On paper, I think Australia, South Africa, England and India will make the semis,” he said. “I think Australia has the firepower particularly with their quicks but I don’t think they should play the four of them. The pacemen can leak runs and I think (James) Pattinson will be the one to miss out.”