Aussies wary of IPL contract

MELBOURNE: Keen to avoid a possible conflict of rival sponsors, Australian cricketers are hoping for an “acceptable contract” before they are auctioned by the Indian Premier League (IPL) authorities.

For obvious reasons, Cricket Australia (CA) wants to protect its sponsors and does not want to see its contracted players in a team bearing competitors’ branding.

So before the IPL franchise owners bid for the Aussies at an auction in a few weeks time, the Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) has advised the players not to negotiate until they get a proper contract.

The Australian Cricketers Association (ACA), however, is hopeful that IPL authorities would work out an acceptable contract for the players.

“There’s still a couple of issues - I’m talking to Tim May (chief executive of FICA), who is part of this process for our players and all the other international players involved, and whilst it’s not there yet, it’s not too far away,” ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said.

“Cricket Australia has an issue with players playing for a team that clashes with their sponsors. I’m not sure where that is all going to go - it’s probably the major sticking point that we need to work through,” Marsh said.

Player agent Neil Maxwell said things would be sorted out sooner than later.

“They are pressing for the players to confirm their involvement — availability might be another issue, given tours and things — by the end of next week,” Maxwell said.