Players’ mediation call after CA pay threat ‘aggression’

threats, the players affirm their offer to participate in independent mediation,” he added.

“Quite simply, one side entered these negotiations in good faith with an intent to provide a win/win result, and the other is trying to remove player unity and drive a wedge in Australian cricket. “The point lost on CA is that the players will not respond to threats, whilst broadcasters and sponsors need certainty.”

Nicholson said it was time for CA to sit down in mediation for the good of the game, instead of making unnecessary threats and creating uncertainty.

He added that his organisation had been in touch with cricketers on Friday to brief them on the latest situation.

Emerging Test batsman Peter Handscomb, on county duty in England, said all players should be treated equally.

He raised fears long-form players could be lost to Twenty20 if the current financial model was not retained.

“It’s about being a partner in the game. It’s huge for the players. We all feel we have a genuine role in growing cricket,” Handscomb told The Sunday Age newspaper. “We’re putting ourselves out there in public, playing and promoting the game all the time. The revenue-share model helps us feel that we’re really part of the successes or failures.”

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins on Saturday tweeted on social media in response to the email: “Players are staying strong #fairshare”.

Former Test paceman Mitchell Johnson added: “Players past & present will stay strong #fairshare.”