Both sides failed to conclude their talks on the new scheme - which would mean drastic pay cuts for some senior players - by a weekend deadline set by Sri Lanka Cricket. "Players have agreed to abide by the conditions of the board for the England tour," a board official said, asking not to be named. The official said Sri Lanka would have had to pay huge penalties to the England Cricket Board if the tour was cancelled due to the pay issue. When the new pay plan was unveiled last month, players said it was "non-transparent" and urged Sri Lanka Cricket to not hold them at "gunpoint". Sri Lanka Cricket officials said the base fees in the new contracts were in addition to payments for each match as well as allowances for travel outside Colombo.

Source: News 24 June 08, 2021 05:48 UTC