Coronavirus outbreak: BCCI clears quarterly dues of players amid lockdown
Despite the nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has cleared the payments of centrally contracted players. While the outburst has taken the world by a storm, a number of cricket boards including England and Australia have hinted at inflicting pay cuts. Meanwhile, the Indian cricket board has already cleared the quarterly dues. Here is more.
Australia's central contract announcement has been delayed
While the central contract announcement has been indefinitely postponed in Australia, England skipper Joe Root has has applied for furlough along with his team-mates. Under the furlough scheme, the British government pays 80% of wages, which comes up to nearly 2,500 pounds per month. Besides, another board official reiterated that the financial stability of BCCI helps to a great extent during this gloomy phase.
BCCI was ready for any kind of eventuality
"The board clears quarterly installments of central contract payments to its players. Plus the match fees of all those who played for India and India A during this period, all these dues were cleared at the end of the financial year," an official said.
ACA launched a relief fund for players
Earlier this month, the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) launched an Emergency Assistance Fund of $250,000 for former and incumbent players. The relief fund was aimed at providing interim relief to players in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. According to ACA, the funds will bridge the gap for members, who are waiting for a financial support by the government.
IPL may get suspended due to coronavirus
The upcoming edition of IPL is on the brink of getting called-off. BCCI earlier postponed the tournament from March 29 to April, but the rising concern of COVID-19 may see a cancelation. However, the BCCI official believes the board won't let the players suffer with losses. "BCCI is capable of taking care of its players. Neither international, nor domestic cricketers will suffer," he said.
