Ireland Cricket team no on good terms with board ahead of T20 World Cup (X.com)
Tensions are boiling over in Ireland Cricket after a group of men’s team players refused to renew central contracts just weeks ahead of their 2024 T20 World Cup participation.
Cricket Ireland is reportedly at war with the Irish Cricketers’ Association over some details of their first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which decided players’ deals.
Apparently, the Ireland cricket board awarded central contracts to 14 players in March last year, which expired by the end of February of this year. However, due to ongoing negotiations over renewals, the players continue to play on the same terms rolled over until a consensus is reached.
Irish players in war with Cricket Ireland
As per Irish Times, tensions began to flare when Irish players refused Ireland board most recent central contracts for the 2024-25 cycle over payment dispute. The players want a hike in salary and have sought the help of Irish Cricketers’ Association to negotiate with the board on their behalf.
Apparently, Ireland have a packed schedule lined up for the rest of the year with a back to back T20 bilateral series against Pakistan, Netherlands and Scotland scheduled from May 10 to May 24 before the team flies to USA for the T20 World Cup.
Hence, the players are not in a position to risk any distractions and hence urged the Cricketers Association to talk to the board regarding contract issues.
Notably, Ireland Cricket is suffering from financial constraints as they recently cancelled an Australian and Zimbabwe tour due to lack of funding and logistics issues. Not only that, the home series against South Africa is also moved to Abu Dhabi.