According to Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, Australian players will be AUD$80 million richer, under the new deal offered to the Australian Cricket Association (ACA) by Cricket Australia.
It is not clear if Michael Clarke will be personally $80 million richer, or if this wealth is to be shared amongst the playing lists from each of the state based teams, as well as the Big Bash franchises. Whatever the case may be, it could appear that Australia’s cricketers can look forward to a boost in pay.
Paul Marsh, head of the ACA, argues that the money offered by Cricket Australia is not in accordance with the demands of the players, claiming that the players have already made significant concessions in the series of negotiations.
The matter appears to be over the percentage of revenue that will be granted to the players by Cricket Australia. Marsh, speaking with Cricinfo, stated that “The simple facts are that we currently have a deal with CA where players receive 26% of a defined pool of revenue.” Marsh continued, claiming the ACA “think CA’s current proposal is designed to see players receive less than their current 26% share and therefore it’s not fair, but in saying that I think with a bit more work we can find a model that can work for both parties.”
Interestingly, Sutherland’s claim that the players will be $80 million better, appears to be based on projections that revenue to Cricket Australia will continue to rise. This could be the case, however with a new major sponsor required, after the move from Vodafone away from sport, a fledgling Twenty20 competition and a new television rights deal likely to be forged in coming years, the $80 million pay rise projected by Sutherland is a little mischievous.
Australian Cricket News 