Cricket Australia released a statement today remarking on the rumoured rebel cricket league being set up around the world.
There have been media reports surrounding a new cricket league, which has reportedly let up subsidiary companies in multiple countries around the world, including allegedly Australia and India.
Michael Clarke and David Warner have reportedly been offered $50 million contracts to participate in the new league, which is run by the same group that ran the now-defunct ICL.
The Essel Group, who is behind the league, is owned by billionaire Subhash Chandra. They have confirmed their intentions to launch an unnamed cricket venture.
Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards said he was aware of the alleged move, but Cricket Australia remained confident in the direction they were taking.
“We are aware of the reports around a rebel league and they remain highly speculative, particularly given the proposed scale and complexity,” Mr Edwards said.
“Australian cricket has never been in better health. Record crowds, television audiences, grassroots participation and commercial support continue to drive record revenue which means player payments have never been higher and will only increase.
“As it stands, Australia’s cricketers are the highest paid athletes of any team sport in the country and the earnings of our top-ranked players would already be close to the numbers referenced in today’s media reports.
“But our pay structure is broader than that. It’s about supporting professional cricket at both international and domestic level. The success of international cricket directly subsidises the wages of state cricketers. Any proposed rebel league would jeopardise that.
“Most of Australian cricket’s revenue is reinvested back into the sport, strengthening it for the 1.1 million players at grassroots level around the country.
“We remain firmly focused on growing the game in Australia for fans and participants, while at international level we will be staunch in working with the ICC and other member countries to protect the interests of the game globally.”
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