MCL not honouring player contracts - FICA

The Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) has claimed that the Masters Cricket League, a private T20 tournament for retired cricketers held in Dubai and Sharjah earlier this year, has not paid "a significant number of players" according to their contractual agreements.

"As far as we are aware only one team, the Gemini Arabians, has been paid in full and on time." FICA chief executive Tony Irish said. "We understand it is a new event, however, the event finished more than three months ago, and the situation is entirely unacceptable.

"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."