ACA responds to Cricket Australia annual results

24 October, 2017
ACA Chief Executive Alistair Nicholson has welcomed the annual results for the game of cricket published today by Cricket Australia.

"Cricket in Australia is strong and the outlook is positive. That's great news for the national pastime and for the growing number of people who play the game," Nicholson said.

"And it's a credit to all involved in the sport.

"The ACA is especially pleased that the trajectory for attendance at matches and television ratings is headed in the right direction.

"This ensures the financial strength of the cricket. And generates interest in the community for people who play or simply love cricket.

"It's also a measure of what the modern players, men and women both, bring to the game. The players are at the forefront of fan engagement and digital content. And the growth in the BBL and WBBL is testament to the players willingness to embrace innovation in building a new fanbase for cricket.

"The players can take great pride in what the game has achieved so far and promises to in the future.

"As can administrators - these results have after all been achieved by the Revenue Share Model. And indeed is further evidence for why the players fought as hard as they did to preserve the partnership."

Nicholson also flagged the opportunities presented to Australian cricket based on increases in the strategic growth fund.

"With $88 million committed to this fund we are looking forward to seeing money directed to areas we know are in critical need, such as grassroots and local club infrastructure."

The MOU Negotiation

Nicholson also reinforced the comments made by ACA President Greg Dyer last week that Cricket Australia needed to conduct a full review of the conduct of the MOU negotiation.

"The ACA is adamant that what happened during the MOU must never happen again. There are lessons which must be learned. A full and frank review is the best way to start the learning process.

"This was not a fight the players started. The players resented being put in the position they were by CA.

"Like any other group of Australians they stood their ground. They fought for each other and for the game. And when you consider what the game has achieved under the partnership model, it's a good thing they did."

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
The Australian Cricketers’ Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.