Published: Jul 20, 2016, 09:05 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 20, 2016, 09:06 AM (IST)
The Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) has come out saying that the Masters Cricket League (MCL), a private T20 tournament involving retired cricketers, which was held in Dubai and Sharjah earlier in the year has not paid dues of a number of players according to their contracts. FICA’s chief executive Tony Irish said, “As far as we are aware only one team, the Gemini Arabians, has been paid in full and on time. We understand it is a new event, however, the event finished more than three months ago, and the situation is entirely unacceptable,” as quoted by Espncricinfo. Dirk Nannes, who played for Virgo Super Kings also expressed his disappointment over the issue in a tweet. READ: FICA set to take legal action against Masters Champions League
It’s a shame when tournaments don’t get the simple things right. Hopefully MCL can finally come to the party. https://t.co/gDd3MmuETB
— Dirk Nannes (@dirk_nannes) July 19, 2016
Irish added, “If it is possible for the Gemini Arabians to do things the right way and to honour commitments to players, we don’t see why the organisers have not ensured the same has happened for all players. They have an obligation to do so. The dishonouring of player contracts is an issue that the entire global game should address. This story is too common in cricket and there are players with outstanding amounts owed to them around the world. The game needs robust player contract systems that work and are respected in all countries. We also believe there should be fair and independent recourse and contract enforcement mechanisms for players in the event of disputes like this, such as a global arbitration body.”
Meanwhile, responding to FICA’s statement, Zafar Shah, MCL’s owner said the players would be paid their payments shortly. He said, “The [FICA] statement says only one team has paid, but that is not entirely true. The other teams have only to make the last part of the payment which has been delayed. Contractually, franchises need to make the last payment within 30 days of the tournament finishing.”
