Adam Gilchrist has broken ranks with past and present players by supporting Cricket Australia’s pay offer, labelling it fair.
The retired Test great is confident the pay dispute between CA and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) is on track for a resolution by the June 30 deadline.
That’s despite players standing firm on their opposition to the governing body’s move to scrap the existing revenue-sharing model under the new agreement.
CA has been spruiking the deal’s 58 per cent increase of guaranteed payments, benefiting men and women players.
Gilchrist has backed players for showing unity, in particular those at the highest level who are concerned the new deal will leave domestic players out of pocket.
But he suggested CA’s argument that the revenue-sharing agreement takes money away from the grassroots of the game had merit.
“I think Cricket Australia are offering a very, very fair deal for players,” Gilchrist told Fox Sports.
“No-one’s going to go without and everyone’s growing and increasing.
“I do hope that they’re (players) thinking of the cricketer at the most important level, and that is the kid signing on for his first year.
“Because grassroots cricket is under siege from other sports, like the various footy codes.”
Australians playing in the Champions Trophy in England have been vocal in their opposition to the deal, as have a number of former cricketers.
But CA is maintaining its new pay offer has to be implemented for the long-term good of the game.
Gilchrist said the two sides will eventually negotiate.
“There will be an end to it. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been meeting in the last few days – the players’ association and the board,” Gilchrist.
“I think both sides are going to have to compromise.
“Having spoken to people in both parties, I think they’re both starting to say that and understand that.”
davros
Guest
Adam Gihchrist all round nice guy and exemplary ambassadoor for all things cricket . Also one of my favourite batsman if not my favourite ...i not sure i have ever seen such power hitting staying inside a beautiful but solid free flowing technique ...just a joy to watch . Dont know why Gilly and maybe im completely off the mark , im a nobody and youre ...well Gilly legend cricketer ! But i cant help thinking and in my humble opinion ..this unecceassary foray into the pay dispute in favour of the corporate goons on the c a board , and against the collective of the whole internationsl and domestic united cricketers of australia ...will leave a nasty little shit stain on your image . We all knew Taylor was a corporate stooge many many years ago when he backed the board over the cricketers against his players and also again very recently . But do you really think that the whole collective of current aus and domestic cricketers have got it so wrong ? Do you really support the underhand disengenuous backdoor sneaky way the board approached players individually trying to split the playing group...is that what you are really about ? Do you support those tactics ? One has to wonder , knowing the form of the ex Rio Tinto and wesfarmer managing directors and ceo's etc etc ...what was in it for you to come out in support of this corporate pond scum ?
E-Meter
Guest
Onya Gilly. Stay away from the groupthink.
James
Guest
This is a breathe of fresh air if for no other reason than it seems that both sides are being stubborn just to be stubborn, you have to meet somewhere in the middle.
vikram
Guest
well i think tough time is ahed, INDIA might shorten their tour to Australia, remamber 2-3 months tours