Cricket pay dispute one step closer to a resolution

The long-running cricket pay dispute is one step closer to a resolution.

Cricket Australia has proposed taking the dispute to the industrial umpire if a deal isn’t reached by early next week.

The governing body and the Players’ association remain at loggerheads over a new pay deal.

CEO James Sutherland said the stalemate has to end.

“Hopefully we can have the situation resolved by early next week,” Sutherland said.

“In the event that it’s not, we’re proposing that any residual matters are sent to arbitration.

“We’re prepared to accept whatever decision comes.”

Cricket Australia needs the dispute resolved before a scheduled tour of Bangladesh at the end of August.

The Ashes in November are also hanging over the dispute.