FICA slams BCCI for deciding to give other boards 10 per cent of players' IPL earnings
FICA slams BCCI for deciding to give other boards 10 per cent of players'u00a0IPL earnings
Federation of International Cricketers' Associations chief, Tim May, has questioned the new ruling that foreign players will now have to pay 10 per cent of IPL salaries to their respective boards. As a result, Australian players are already being urged to refuse to sign central contracts next year.
"It is a ridiculous decision, both by BCCI and other boards. Right now, all boards are managing their international commitment based on IPL. Why should a Kieron Pollard or a Kevin Pietersen pay 10 per cent of his fees to either WICB or ECB? BCCI should compensate the boards," he told MiD DAY.
May feels it is a 'backroom deal' between BCCI and other boards to consume millions from the players. "BCCI feels the board should be paid for releasing a player for IPL, which is quite fair. It is an issue of principle here. The boards are not agents of players. Why are they getting paid? Cricket Australia cannot receive money from their extracurricular activities," a furious May said. It is unclear if CA will get compensated for retired players such as Shane Warne, Andrew Symonds and Adam Gilchrist, but if it does, it stands to pocket more than $100,000 a player.
May, the former Australia off-spinner sounded a warning that the issue will be revolted against strongly. "This issue will be defended strongly by players, and FICA will back them," he said. "Who benefits from IPL? Players and BCCI. Boards can't ask money from players to eat a piece of the pie."
May has also strongly opposed BCCI's decision to cut off player agents from the IPL. "It is a professional sport. Agents are part of the landscape, and are very important. This is a backward step with regards to globalising cricket, and making it more lucrative," he said.
