Senior Australian cricketers in favour of boycotting Bangladesh tour
Australian cricket team captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner have decided that they would boycott the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, if the pay dispute with Cricket Australia is not resolved. The duo, along with other senior players met Australian Cricketers' Association's chief executive Alistair Nicholson to discuss the pay issue as the players entered their fourth week of unemployment.
A special contract for the Bangladesh tour
While the Australian cricketers are adamant on getting a fair share of revenues, reports suggest that they discussed going ahead with the Bangladesh tour under a special contractual arrangement.
Ready to offer $24 million for grassroots level cricket: Warner
Vice-captain David Warner said that they are ready to give up $24 million from their share over the next five years to pay for the grassroots level cricket. He added, "We're not going to budge from the revenue sharing model, we want equality, and a fair share for domestic and female players. That in a nutshell is what it's all about."
What exactly is the issue?
Claiming a shortage of funds, Cricket Australia has decided to give up on its two-decade old revenue sharing model, which ensured a fair share to all cricketers in Australia. According to the new model, the revenue will be shared only with top male cricketers and a few female cricketers. However, Australian Cricketers' Association has asked for equal pay for every cricketer in the country.
