Long standing pay dispute on the verge of conclusion, reports Australia media

The ongoing pay scuffle between Cricket Australia and the players may end soon if reports of the local media are to be believed. The entire saga has to be the darkest times of Australian cricket as neither CA nor the cricketers showed any signs of budging. This news, however, comes as a relief to a lot of fans as an agreement will be struck between both parties very soon.

230 cricketers from Australia left unemployed

The previous MoU expired on June 30 which left 230 top cricketers effectively unemployed, something which CA chief James Sutherland warned the players of in an acrimonious statement in June. Recently, Sutherland suggested arbitrating the long standing issue through a neutral umpire so that both parties could get on with the game. But, with news of a conclusions nearing, an arbitrate wouldn’t be required at the end.

The development tour of Australia A to South Africa fell victim to the impasse between both parties as players boycotted the tour as they had no contracts. With the imminent tour of Bangladesh and, later the Ashes, under threat, this comes as a respite for millions of fans around the world.

Reports give hopes to fans

Though there is no official statement or press release on the said matter, Fairfax media reported that a “heads of agreement” deal was very close to being struck. The Australian Cricketer’s Association tried their best to broker a deal between both parties but their repeated attempts failed as Sutherland was keen to do away with the revenue sharing model which was in existence since 1997, much to the dismay of the cricketers.

Bangladesh remained confident for the 2-Test series scheduled to begin on August 27 to go on as per schedule. Now, if new contracts are signed soon, players will assemble for a preparatory camp soon as they have to depart for Bangladesh in about a fortnight’s time.