Debasis Sen: Indian Cricketers” Association Chief Ashoke Malhotra on Sunday said he is still sticking with his views on players pay cut. Malhotra was lambasted by his former teammate Sunil Gavaskar for his recent comments on the players pay cut.
Gavaskar in his column for Mid-Day wrote: “Like with any sport, if you don”t play you don”t get paid and that”s what will happen. What was amusing though was to read that the president of the Indian Cricketers” Association has said there should be pay cuts for the India internationals and the first-class players too.
The little master added, “One can understand him trying to curry favour with the BCCI but with whose authority is he talking about the cuts is the question. The current India internationals and the first-class players are not members of the players” body so he can”t be speaking on their behalf. It”s easy to talk about pay cuts if it doesn”t hurt your own pocket.”
Reacting to Gavaskar’s comments, Malhotra said,“All over the world the sports persons are coming forward and lending their support by way of pay cuts. I am not against anyone’s livelihood. These are tough times. BCCI looks after its cricketers. So, this is the right time for us to contribute a portion of our pension we receive from the board.”
It has been a global trend where top football clubs of Europe including, Juventus and FC Barcelona announced that their players have decided to accept pay cuts keeping in view the suspended state of the sport.
“Australian Cricketers Association along with ECB is working on the pay cuts. I am not saying it on behalf of anyone but my personal view is this is the time we need to stand beside the board,” said Malhotra to Xtra Time.
“Suppose the IPL does not happen this season, it will incur a huge loss for BCCI. Kochi Taskers has to be paid heavily by the Board. BCCI are in tough times and if we do not come forward in supporting them (BCCI) during these tough times, when we will,” questioned Malhotra.
Both Gavaskar and Malhotra played together for the Indian team during the 1980s. Malhotra also made his Test debut under Gavaskar’s captaincy during the 1981-82 series against England.