ACA to help out players in crisis

THE Australian Cricketers’ Association has launched a $250,000 fund to help members experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ACA has contacted members, outlining details of the program designed to offer interim relief to those experiencing job loss, increased anxiety, stress and general uncertainty.

Former players and current female domestic cricketers, who require further income beyond a playing contract to bank a sustainable wage, are eligible to apply provided they meet certain criteria.

The players’ union will issue tiered grants of up to $1000, while those members doing it particularly tough will be able to access a further $1000 loan.

Kelly Applebee, the ACA’s general manager member programs and relations said that the $250,000 fund would provide interim relief to those members experiencing job loss, increased anxiety, stress and general uncertainty.

“We’ve been trying to help where we can,” Applebee said yesterday.

“We’ve worked hard over that time to bring together a framework around the support we can provide, as well as some significant resources. The health crisis has created a financial nightmare for the AFL, NRL and other major sporting organisations in Australia.

Cricket Australia has started cost-cutting measures and delayed its national contract announcement, but is yet to be anywhere near as badly affected because of the timing of its season.

However, CA is bracing for a major drop in revenue and the prospect of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the 2020-21 season.

CA and the ACA agreed, after a bitter public pay dispute in 2017, to enter a revenuesharing partnership.