ECB rejects wage concern

Lord Maclaurin, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, moved quickly yesterday to allay the fears of the county circuit that their pay will be frozen or even cut next year.

Lord Maclaurin, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, moved quickly yesterday to allay the fears of the county circuit that their pay will be frozen or even cut next year.

In a letter the Professional Cricketers' Association expressed their fears that the counties would each receive £50,000 less because of a drop in revenue last season, thus resulting in a cut in wages.

"It is no secret that the finances of the ECB are under considerable strain at the moment - mainly because of a £3m shortfall in international ticket sales revenue," Lord MacLaurin said.

"The First-Class counties have, however, not been told that they will be receiving £50,000 less. No final decision has yet been taken on this matter. It is ultimately the first-class counties who will make the decision at their meeting in December."

Despite England's season of success the number of Tests finishing in less than five days resulted in massive revenue loss.