New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association have commenced formal negotiations on a new Master Agreement.
The current Master Agreement has been in place since June 2006 and concludes in July 2010.
Amongst other things the agreement defines the contracting environment, competition structures and remuneration basis for professional cricketers in New Zealand, at both National and Major Association levels.
Justin Vaughan, Chief Executive of New Zealand Cricket, said he expected the negotiation process to be positive and collaborative.
“New Zealand Cricket has a strong relationship with the NZCPA, and we greatly respect the association’s role in managing the professional game in New Zealand,” he said.
“There are a number of challenges ahead with the changing nature of the game internationally. I am sure we will be able to work constructively towards a new agreement that is in the best interests of the game in New Zealand.”
NZCPA Executive Manager Heath Mills said the negotiations were taking place at a critical time in the global game.
“The past few years have seen a rapidly changing environment for professional cricketers.” he said. “These negotiations are important as we need to recognise and respond appropriately to the changes that have taken place,” he said.
“We share many areas of common ground with New Zealand Cricket, and I know there is a willingness on both sides to work towards a sustainable agreement that ensures a positive future for our great summer game.”
Vaughan and Mills said both parties had reached agreement on negotiation protocols, including a commitment to confidentiality. Neither organisation would be commenting further on the negotiations while they remained in discussions.
The current Master Agreement has been in place since June 2006 and concludes in July 2010.
Amongst other things the agreement defines the contracting environment, competition structures and remuneration basis for professional cricketers in New Zealand, at both National and Major Association levels.
Justin Vaughan, Chief Executive of New Zealand Cricket, said he expected the negotiation process to be positive and collaborative.
“New Zealand Cricket has a strong relationship with the NZCPA, and we greatly respect the association’s role in managing the professional game in New Zealand,” he said.
“There are a number of challenges ahead with the changing nature of the game internationally. I am sure we will be able to work constructively towards a new agreement that is in the best interests of the game in New Zealand.”
NZCPA Executive Manager Heath Mills said the negotiations were taking place at a critical time in the global game.
“The past few years have seen a rapidly changing environment for professional cricketers.” he said. “These negotiations are important as we need to recognise and respond appropriately to the changes that have taken place,” he said.
“We share many areas of common ground with New Zealand Cricket, and I know there is a willingness on both sides to work towards a sustainable agreement that ensures a positive future for our great summer game.”
Vaughan and Mills said both parties had reached agreement on negotiation protocols, including a commitment to confidentiality. Neither organisation would be commenting further on the negotiations while they remained in discussions.
