Indian Premier League Pay Issue Could Disrupt 'One of English Cricket's Biggest Years'

A pay dispute involving the Indian Premier League is "threatening to disrupt one of English cricket's biggest years, with two Ashes series and a Champions Trophy on home soil," according to Stephen Brenkley of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The issue was placed at the "top of the agenda once more" by Professional Cricketers' Association CEO Angus Porter. The organization deals with the England and Wales Cricket Board on the central contracts. Anticipating a commotion, Porter suggested they were "substantially underpaid because of their inability to take part in the IPL and other T20 competitions." The IPL is still the most lucrative of the T20 tournaments. Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has landed a $1M contract for six weeks' work with Mumbai Indians. His compatriot Kane Richardson is being paid $700,000 by Pune Warrriors. Centrally contracted England players, "of whom there are nine in all," can expect around $460,000 a year (NZH, 2/18).