Out-of-pocket ICL stars seeking legal advice on back dues

Sydney, Dec.2 (ANI): Players who joined the now almost-defunct Indian Cricket League have sought legal advice for the millions of dollars in unpaid wages owed to them.

Retired Australian cricketers Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz and Damien Martyn are among those demanding unpaid dues.

The international players union headed by former Australian off-spinner Tim May has accused the ICL of breaking a succession of promises to players, officials and support staff, many of whom have not been paid since last year, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

"These outstanding moneys amount to millions of dollars," May said.

"The Federation of International Cricketers' Associations and the players have constantly been informed by ICL that they will meet these obligations on specified dates. Unfortunately these dates continually pass without any sign of payment. The players are sick and tired of the broken commitments from ICL and the evasiveness of various ICL officials, and now after exhausting all reasonable efforts to settle the issue amicably, they believe they have no other option than to contemplate legal action against ICL for the recovery of these payments," he added.

The ICL recently announced legal action against the International Cricket Council and the Indian and English boards for unlawful restraint of trade. The league has been in hiatus since October last year.

Meanwhile, former England wicketkeeper Paul Nixon confirmed on Tuesday night that he is one of several international players who are still awaiting payment from the Indian Cricket League, more than a year after its last tournament was staged.Nixon said he was disappointed by the ICL's financial shortfall.

"I feel that the ICL has a rightful place in world cricket, and has not been treated fairly," he said.

"In an ideal world, the organisers would win their suit and then be able to fulfil their contracts with us," he added.

Nixon is just one of a number of English players and coaches, also including Graeme Hick and John Emburey,who are out of pocket. One leading agent said that his players had been hired on an average annual salary of 250,000 dollars, to be paid in four tranches, of which the final quarter did not arrive. (ANI)