Frustration continues for players with CA's stance over IPL

Melbourne, Feb 11 (UNI) Frustration continues to grow for Australian players as Cricket Australia (CA) fails to guarantee their participation in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

Earlier, all-rounder Andrew Symonds slammed the administration for not releasing the Aussie players to take part in the IPL Twenty20 tournament that begins on April 18.

Captain Ricky Ponting yesterday did voice his concern over the matter but only regarding Adam Gilchrist.

''We haven't spoken about it. There's only one bloke that's concerned about it and that's Gilly (retiring wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist),'' Ponting was quoted as saying by The Herald Sun.

''The rest of us are not talking about it.

''As it stands, we can't play in it. We've got a tour of Pakistan,'' he said.

CA spokesman Peter Young yesterday said, ''That's the age-old hypothetical question but what I can tell you CA is very keen to see that IPL fly, and we are very keen to see it fly with Australian players involved.'' However, he said that things will get worked out as issues like these are regular in World Cups and do get sorted out every time.

''It's always complicated. There are always these complications before ICC World Cups and the like and they get sorted out,'' he said.

With Australian players being offered huge amounts for the 44-day event in India, players are finding it hard to give up that easily.

Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) boss Paul Marsh yesterday backed his players saying CA should lift all the obstacles and let the players grab the opportunity.

''Andrew's comment are reflective of a number of players who have agreed to play in the IPL,'' he said.

''This is a great opportunity for players and a great initiative for cricket.

''Cricket Australia is obviously putting up some barriers which we still have to get through.'' He further added that he was hopeful that the matter will get sorted out as the Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) is helping the players to come out with positive results.

''But in saying all of that, we are genuinely making some good progress at the moment through FICA.

''We are confident we are going to get there, '' he said.

For a period of 44-days, the likes of Symonds, Ponting, Michael Clarke, and Brett Lee could make about 500,000 dollars each if the March-April tour of Pakistan is postponed. Whereas, soon-to be-retired Adam Gilchrist could make about one million dollars if he is cleared to play by CA.

But the major concern for CA is over the eight Indian franchises using Australian players to advertise rival sponsores in India and the potential costly fallout if these advertisements are shown in Australia.

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