ACA to establish player support fund

18 May, 2017
The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has today announced that it will be establishing a player support fund for female and domestic cricketers.

The fund, titled the Women and Men Cricketers’ Assistance Plan (or WaMCAP), will be established to assist the players who need additional financial support if they are out of contract from June 30, 2017.

Whilst the ACA has been developing various contingencies for the possibility of a sustained period without a new MOU, following last week’s threat from Cricket Australia (CA), the players’ rejection of CA’s offer, and now the refusal of CA to mediate, WaMCAP has taken a higher priority.

Out of contract female and state players with a genuine need for financial assistance will be able to apply to access funds in support of necessitous expenses.

“We are genuinely committed to getting a deal done before June 30,” ACA Player Liaison Manager Simon Katich said.

“Unfortunately, however, the players and CA still appear to be a long way apart in the current negotiations, especially given CA are now refusing mediation.

“And with CA’s threat last week saying that they would effectively lock-out the players after June 30, it looks as though this impasse may continue for some time yet.

“The players continue to be united with the ACA and are up for the fight when it comes to having the Revenue Sharing Model for all players – male, female, national and domestic.

“There is no doubt that there is a degree of uncertainty about what lies ahead given June 30 is fast approaching, so whatever can be done to ease some of the pressure on the players is welcome.”

Players out of contract at the conclusion of the current MOU on June 30, 2017, include all female players, all international male players and about half of the male domestic players. WaMCAP will be able to be accessed by out of contract female and domestic players, including rookies, for financial necessities to avoid unnecessary hardship until a new MOU can be agreed.

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
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