Maxwell says lengthy process causing delay in clearing salaries

New Delhi, May 18 (UNI) Reacting to Australian players' complains about the delay in the payments of their IPL wages, Kings XI Punjab CEO Neil Maxwell admitted the fact saying ''it was a time-consuming process which involves taxation issues as well''.

''The players are being paid in installments because there are a number of taxation issues. It is the first installment that is taking the most time because it's not simple as a lot of taxes are involved,'' Maxwell told 'NDTV' while reacting to reports in the Australian media.

The Australian media today reported that the IPL payments have been delayed and the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) has even threatened to take action against the IPL and the respective franchises.

However, Maxwell, who is also the manager of some of the top Australian cricketers like Brett Lee, Michael Hussey and Shane Watson, asserted that the players will be given their dues while some of them have already been released but in ophases.

''I think too much is being made out of it. It's a little lengthy process and everyone has to be patient. The players are contracted with their franchisees and they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding,'' he added.

There were a good number of Australian players including captain Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, Matthew Hayden and Michael Hussey, who participated in the ongoing IPL for a brief period, but returned back home to play against the West Indies in a Test series. UNI RAR AB RN1512