Josh Hazlewood unfazed by threats of unemployment

Australian pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has come to terms with the fact that the Australian cricketers could end up being unemployed in a day. The ongoing tussle between the players and the Cricket Australia (CA) has taken several ugly turns. The rift is due to the CA’s new proposal of revenue system. The players, under the umbrella organization Australia Cricketers’ Association (ACA), are firm in not accepting the new system.

They want the existing system of revenue sharing to continue. On the other hand, the CA is firm in implementing the new system. CA Chief James Sutherland had even threatened the players with unemployment if they refused to sign the new system. Players, in their response, went on to quote that they would boycott the international fixtures. The current scheme of revenue sharing ends with the MoU ending on June 30.

Hence, the date of June 30 is supposedly the last day when the ACA and CA can come to terms and negotiate. Post that, the players could well be unemployed and subsequently even boycott the matches. ACA has planned to organize a crisis meeting wherein they will discuss whether they will boycott Australia A tour to South Africa. Meanwhile, premier pacer Josh Hazlewood has quoted he is willing to stand for the cause of the cricketers.

“To be contracted for the best part of 10 years, nearly for me, it’s going to be a different stage and we’ll see how it pans out. It (pay negotiations) never got to this point before in the past. It’s going to leave a bit of a bitter taste come that date (July 1) but we are, obviously, willing to do what we need to,” quoted Josh Hazlewood as per the quotes in Hindustan Times.

“They always seem to point out the no crowds at Sheffield Shield cricket but they always leave out the Big Bash that draws in massive crowds every game. The Australian cricket team aren’t really a part of that to be honest. It’s solely domestic players with, obviously, a couple of internationals in different teams. But they provide a great spectacle. That six weeks is just thriving with crowds … I think they would feel disrespected, definitely,” added the Aussie pace bowler.

CA firm in their stance

While Josh Hazlewood made remarks that would indicate the firmness of the players with their call, the CA looks unfazed with boycott threats. They issued a statement wherein they expect the ACA to understand that the dynamics of the game is changing and hence they should adopt the new models.

“CA remains resolute that the fixed revenue share model must change in the broader interests of cricket. It continues to believe that a new MOU can be agreed in the near future if the ACA is prepared to acknowledge the magnitude and pace of change that is occurring and come to the table with a genuine spirit of flexibility. CA urges the ACA to do so with a renewed sense of urgency in the best interests of players and the game,” the statement read.