Australia's ongoing pay scuffle set to affect India A’s tour

The pay dispute between Cricket Australia and the Australian cricketers is in deep mire with both parties relentlessly firm on their respective stance. The Australia ‘A’ team was scheduled to tour South Africa to first play two four-day games followed by a one-day tri-series with India being the third team.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) had said that the players will boycott the ‘A’ tour if the CA does not sit down and issue new contracts before the tour begins. Earlier, the CA had suggested five players tour for free in case the contracts are not renewed by then. Given ACA’s statement, that option is out of the window. The CA is left with very little time to sort the issue as the tour is scheduled to kick start on July 12.

India to pull out of tour too

According to TOI sources, the BCCI may not send their ‘A’ team to South Africa at all in case Australia cancels the tour. India, like Australia, are set to play two four days games and a tri-series against the hosts but a Board official expressed concerns about sending the team if the tri-series is cancelled.

“We’re closely following the proceedings in Australia. If the One-day Tri-series is scrapped, there’s no point in sending a team just for two four-day games all the way to South Africa,” said a Board official.

The tour was a perfect opportunity for guys like Manish Pandey and Karun Nair along with youngsters Basil Thampi, Krunal Pandya and Mohammad Siraj to showcase their talent and impress the national selectors.

It will be interesting to see what concurs later during the week. The pay scuffle may result in Australia’s boycott of India’s limited overs tour which is scheduled to start in October first week.