James Sutherland wants to arbitrate the pay scuffle through independent umpires

It has been 27 days since more than 230 cricketers in Australia have been effectively left unemployed. The cricketers stand in unison against Cricket Australia’s proposal of scrapping the 20-year-old revenue sharing model. The pay dispute has become a never ending issue as CA remains firm in their stand.

Sutherland shows urgency after boycott of South Africa tour

Talks between the Australian Cricketer’s Association (ACA) and CA have not reached to a conclusion since June 30, when the contracts of the cricketers expired. Since then, the Australian ‘A’ tour to South Africa was called off as the players decided to boycott it as there was no progress between the Board and the ACA. Sutherland has now proposed the matter to be arbitrated by independent umpires if the matter isn’t concluded by next week.

Australia’s next international assignment kicks off on August 27 when they play Bangladesh in a Test match. The squad for the tour is already announced but they must assemble for a preparatory camp for the tour soon. Sutherland has stated that the impasse could be breached if there are “positive intent and the right people in the room”.

If there is no progress in the said matter, Sutherland will eventually push for arbitrary and issue short-term contracts to the players so that the tour of Bangladesh goes on. Australia’s tour of India and then the Ashes later during the year has come under a threat due to the pay scuffle.

Short term contracts might be the way forward

Sutherland hasn’t hinted about who he would propose to arbitrate the matter but he wanted both the CA and the players to accept the “umpire’s decision and move on with the game”. He hinted on achieving a short-term resolution so that the game goes on until the time fresh MoU is eventually issued.

The ACA wasn’t pleased with the CA, with whom they have tried to mediate the issue for the last three months. However, it still remained confident of resolving the issue with the CA.