The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has rejected Australian Cricket Board ’s (ACB) latest pay proposal. The initial offer was first presented to the ACA late in the month of March but the debate over the pay structure has been in continuance since then, leading to a delay in reaching a resolution.
ACA’s main concern is Australia Cricket Board’s proposal to scrap the revenue-sharing model which was in effect for the last 20 years. The ongoing negotiations must reach a conclusion until June 30 before the current player contracts expire.
In the words of the ACA, would end a partnership “that allows players to share in the ups and downs of the games and its revenue, and allows for fluctuations in media rights cycles”. It also feels that the pay model “gives more importance to the international stars and disrespects the value of domestic cricketers and the role they play in Australian cricket”.
The old revenue sharing model distributed income among player according to the revenue generated. However, CA has argued that the revenue-sharing system has to change with time.
“The ACA also expresses frustration that what should be a relatively simple and good faith negotiation has not proceeded in this way,” the ACA said in a statement on Friday. “The fact that CA has, despite various attempts to do so, produced no logical reason to break the successful partnership model and longstanding relationship with players leaves the players unclear as to CA’s objectives.”
The ACA own proposal, which is dubbed as the “modernised” revenue-sharing model, calls for a 55% share for CA, a 22.5% share for grassroots cricket, and a 22.5% share for male and female players.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said he was disappointed with the ACA’s decision to reject the tabled offer, but he remained confident of achieving a resolution by the end of June.
“They appear to have spent nearly six weeks talking with everyone but the organisation that can provide them with the right information, and with whom they need to conclude an agreement on behalf of their members,” Sutherland said. “They will find, when they sit down with us and understand the detail, that this really is a ground-breaking offer and a fair deal for all players.
“In particular, it offers higher guaranteed payments at a time of uncertainty, while continuing to provide a share of cricket’s financial surpluses to players at the pinnacle of the game. It also allows CA to address the disparity between pay for men and women and the urgent need to invest more in the grassroots of the game, particularly junior cricket. We make no apology for investing in priorities that will secure cricket’s sustainable future.
“I must make it clear that the analysis presented by the ACA today contains many errors. We have offered to provide them with realistic financial scenarios, an opportunity they have not taken up. I also reject any suggestion that we would hide money from the players. They receive full audited accounts, and we have always been fair and honest with our players.
“We understand their commitment to the existing model, but the fact is that the world has changed, and it needs to be updated to take that into account. It has to include women, it has to support our juniors and community cricket clubs, and it has to provide greater financial certainty for all players, at every level.”