England Test captain Joe Root is expecting talks with the England Cricket Board around possible pay cuts to be on the cards fairly soon.
The ongoing spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to urgent and drastic measures implemented by the British government, which is having a sizeable affect on sport governing bodies across the country.
Most notably, a furlough system has been created by the government to help staff, while pay cuts have also been common to ease financial devastation.
Similarly, according to the Guardian, Root believes the ECB could soon be forced to look a similar methods to reduce the salaries of centrally contracted English cricket players.
‘I’m sure at some point in the coming weeks there will be a discussion. But I’m also aware there are discussions that will take place between the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the ECB. That’s not my area of expertise.
‘[Losing the entire season] has definitely crossed my mind. It is a possibility. But we have to try to stay optimistic, take things day by day and not get too ahead of ourselves. We’ve got to be ready for whenever that opportunity to play again is,’ Root said.
The ECB’s chief executive Tom Harrison recently announced a £60-million rescue package to aid financial loses to domestic counties and clubs, who are continuing their planned preparations for the upcoming cricket season, which is set to start on 28 May.
Professional Cricketers’ Association chief executive Tony Irish said the current circumstances have brought a great deal of uncertainty among cricket players.
‘Much of that currently is around furloughing of players and wage cuts for players,’ said Irish.
‘We believe solutions should be sought and where possible agreed collectively. We understand recommendations or proposals will be put to us during this week. We will work through those with the players and then with the ECB and the first-class counties with a view to seeking agreed solutions.’
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