CA chairman David Peever and CEO James Sutherland (file photo) © IDI/Getty Images
Cricket Australia has proposed independent arbitration with the Australian Cricketers’ Association if the ongoing pay dispute is not resolved by early next week.
James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia CEO, told a press conference in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon that the impasse needed to be resolved in time for the Test tour of Bangladesh, which begins late next month.
“We’re really at a stage now where we need to address this situation and cricket needs to get on with the game,” Sutherland said.
“The ACA has recently put forward some proposals in regards to a process through this, including contracting around players. We feel that what has been proposed actually jeopardises not only the Bangladesh tour but then in turn the Indian tour upcoming and beyond that even, dare I say it, the Ashes.
“We are proposing an alternative route through this. We have had discussions just today with the ACA about our proposal. Our proposal allows players to be contracted in the short term, and for a real focus that allows the fans of the game to have great confidence about not only tours proceeding but also the summer ahead.
“We’re proposing that in the short term both parties get together with really strong intent to get this deal sorted and hopefully by early next week we can have the situation resolved. In the event that it’s not resolved at that time, we are proposing that any residual matters that haven’t been resolved are sent to arbitration … and we’re prepared to accept whatever decision comes. In cricketing parlance, we’re prepared to accept the umpire’s decision and move on.”
Asked who would conduct such arbitration, Sutherland suggested an independent arbitrator such as a supreme court judge, who would hear both sides and make a decision. He noted that this was a very different proposal to mediation, which had previously been suggested by the ACA.
However, he said he was hopeful that arbitration would not be required and that the two parties would be in a position to come to an agreement by early next week.
More to follow
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo