The "brinkmanship battle" between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association over pay "appears certain to extend into next week, thrusting the game into unknown territory," according to the AAP. The current memorandum of understanding expires on Friday. There was "no movement in stalled negotiations on Monday." Relations between CA and the ACA "remain frosty to a point where it would be a major surprise if there is any breakthrough this week." Most insiders "all but gave up on the idea of a new deal being signed during this financial year a long time ago." However, some "held out hope of temporary measures being agreed before the June 30 deadline." That now "appears unlikely." Talks will not resume until Wednesday at the earliest -- and it is "uncertain if the two parties will meet then" (AAP, 6/26). In Melbourne, Jon Pierik reported players have "taken it as a personal affront" that CA CEO James Sutherland refused to join pay discussions and fear "they will be unemployed come Saturday." Players were "bewildered" on Monday as to why Sutherland had not intervened in discussions ahead of Friday's deadline for a new MOU -- a "drama that could leave this summer's Ashes series in doubt." Sutherland has been in England for meetings with the Int'l Cricket Council and attended Monday's Women's Cricket World Cup opener, but "players have questioned" why he has not even joined ACA CEO Alistair Nicholson in discussions via video link. CA officials, in response, are "questioning why the ACA insists Sutherland is needed," because lead negotiator Kevin Roberts is an "experienced business and sports administrator." The ACA has "slated an emergency meeting this weekend if there is no agreement or even a tentative deal on the major issues." One player agent said, "I just can't see a deal getting done now" (THE AGE, 6/26).
'NEW WINDOW': In Melbourne, Russell Gould reported cricket has been "given a new window to snare rising star Will Sutherland from the clutches" of the Australian Football League. The trade embargo preventing Big Bash League franchises from offering contracts has been "temporarily lifted" by CA, giving both Melbourne teams an "opportunity to snare" the Australian U19 captain. Any contract offers "remain conditional" on a new MOU being signed but cricket could "at least get a commitment from the teenager," and BBL franchises can also start to formalize other recruiting plans (HERALD SUN, 6/26).
