CONTROL OF CRICKETERS ON TOUR.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21085, 11 July 1938, Page 6

CONTROL OF CRICKETERS ON TOUR.

Although nothing has been said for publication by the captain and members of the Australian team in reply Io the decision of the Board of Cricket Control Io reject the request for special favours being accorded Bradman at the close of the English tour, it is quite clear that another clash is pending between the Australian cricketers and the controlling authorities in Australia. Whatever the virtue in the request of the Australian captain for preferential treatment, it must be said at once that the Australian Board of Cricket Control has merely asked the Commonwealth cricketers to honour the terms of the contract every member of the team signed before being officially accepted for the tour of England. This agreement sets out that a player: Must not be accompanied on the tour by his wife, any member of his family, or any relative; nor may his wife or any of his children be in England or elsewhere outside Australia where team may be touring. Must live together in such places as manager shall appoint. Must attend all functions desginated “official.” Must return to Australia with team. Shall not write or cause to be written any article in any newspaper or book, or accept broadcasting empolyment. Shall not sell or permit the sale of his autograph, appear at any theatre or music hall, arrange for making records or films, or give lectures. Whether the terms of the contract are irksome, onerous or are based on long experiences is not the issue. The members of the team have given certain solemn undertakings that have been honoured. Moreover, the Board of Control has the right to recall any member who violates

the terms of the agreement, as well as impose penalties which may involve the forfeiture of all claims to payment for the tour. These payments, are, of course, substantial although members of the Australian cricket teaTn regard themselves as amateurs. It is interesting to mention here the rich emoluments that are received by Australian cricketers who tour England. The agreement provides: Each player shall be entitled to receive £6OO for the tour. Of this £lOO was paid before embarkation, £350 is to be paid while in England, and £l5O on returning to Australia. In addition there is an allowance of £5O to cover expenses for tram and taxi fares to and from hotels and grounds. Moreover, if the lour yields substantial profits, the Australian Board of Cricket Control will present every member of the team with a handsome bonus. While it may be suggested that the controlling authority in Australia is a little over-exacting in enforcing the terms of the agreement, it must be remembered that the Australian Board of Control is being guided by somethin' 7 like sixty years of experience in organising and controlling ton ring teams. The members of the team are, of course, being handsomely recouped for the honour of representing their country on the cricket fields of England, by the payment of the sums outlined in the terms of the agreement, which is, supplementary to payment of all travelling and hotel expenses and a bonus.