Players fear losing out in ECB jackpot
ENGLAND cricketers have concerns over whether they have the best representation for the pay negotiations that will surely follow the ECB’s current media rights tender.
English cricket’s governing body hope to bring in a whopping £1 billion — and both county and international players will want a proportionate hike in their cut. But players fear their lead agent, Professional Cricketers Association chief executive David Leatherdale, a former Worcestershire CEO, has too cosy an establishment relationship with England cricket chiefs Colin Graves, Tom Harrison and Andrew Strauss .
Some want a more combative approach to ensure players don’t miss out on their fair share of the any new TV riches.
Leatherdale, players union chief for 15 months, believes he is well qualified. He said: ‘I’m not part of any establishment. There is no way my relationship with ECB is “cosy”. It’s collaborative but players’ interests always come first. We’ve already put in place substantial benefits for them and will continue to do so.’
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